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RECORDS 



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TOWN OF AMHERST, 



FROM 1735 TO 1788. 



Rkprintkdfroai the amhkkst Record of 18t>3-4. 






<^STOHj^>^ 



^MHERST, MASS. : 

PRESS OF J. E. WILLIAMS, 

1884. 



"^v^^ . 



INTRODUCTION. 



There are si^ns, in various parts of the 
L'ountry, of an awakening interest in the 
publication of historical records. Their 
value for the pui-pose of history is becom- 
ing better appreciated, and the danger of 
their destruction or loss suggests nieas- 
ires for their permanent preservation. 
•]very few weeks the pai)ers bring news of 
Liie total or partial loss of valuable records. 
To anyone who knows the importance of 
these historical sources, such destruction 
cannot fail to be a matter of great regret. 

The care and security with which our 
Amherst records are kept greatly reduce 
the dangers in their case ; but, still fur- 
ther, the publication of local records makes 
them accessible to a greater number of 
persons, and at greater convenience, es- 
l)ecially to non-re.>iidents. It would be 
well if the record.? of every town in the 
state could be pul)]ished. Tiiose already 
printed liave proved to be of great value 
not only to the student of local hi-story, 
but to those interested in tlie history of 
the State, in genealogy, in the modes of 
thought and the manners of our ancestors. 

It has been thought desirable to print, 
at first in the columns of the Kkcoru ami 
afterward in pamplilet form, the records 
of tills place. This will include the rec- 
ords of Hadley TJiird I'recinct from 1735 
to 175;5, (when the Second I'recinct be- 
came South Hadley), of the new Second 
I'recinct from 1754 to 1758, of the Dis- 
trict of Amherst from 1759 to 1775 (legally 



it was a district until 1786) and of the 
town of Amherst from 177G to February, 
1788, the period at which Massachusetts 
began her life under the Federal Consti- 
tution. Beyond this point it is not at 
present intended to carry the publication. 

It is needless to point out the impor- 
tance of the Amherst records to town his- 
tory, genealogy, and title-hunting; their 
usefulness, as a bit of material, to the 
growing school of historical students of 
local institutions is equally evident But 
anyone wlio takes even a general interest 
in past times will find nuich to engage his 
attention. From the point of view of lan- 
guage, for instance, he will notice from 
year to year the progress toward fixity of 
orthograpliy ; he will see, from their spell- 
ing, that the '-rude forefathers of the 
hamlet "' said deestrict and iii.heabitants 
and lentil, like the Yankees of to-day; he 
will notice the use, and sometimes the 
gradual <lisai)pearance, of words and ex- 
pressions now obsolete. 

A careful oliserver will also learn much 
of tile character of the farmers of Amherst 
a century or more ago. Their upright- 
ness ami common sense, their respect for 
law, their scnipulous regard for the obser- 
vances of religion, a))])ear on neiirly every 
page of the old record-book ; but so also 
do their dilatoriness in managing town 
business, their closeness in money mat- 
ters, and the narrow limitations of their 
lives. (Jf the Yankee humor we see little ; 



INTRODUCTION. 



the annually-recurring- joke about the hog- 
reeves seems to have been ever fresh. 
But, quite unconsciously, the " Inheabi- 
tants" are very amusing in the preference 
they exhibit for the schoolhouse near 
Landlord Warner's tavern (often called 
by other names) as the place to which to 
adjourn their meetings. Doubtless the 
meeting-house was cold; and doubtless 
Landlord Warner knew how to warm the 
chilled voters. It will be observed that 
the "fathers " had a great reverence for 
rank and position, that titles are at first 
given very sparingly, but that their num- 
ber increases gradually until, after the 
Revolution, when the squires fell under 
suspicion and disfavor and a new set of 
men came forward, it is. comparatively 
large. But the time when everyone was 
Esq. and everyone Mr. had not yet ar- 
rived. . . ■ ,.:.., 

Provision for schools ^ made perhaps 
as early as could be expected, provision 
for preaching earlier still ; and throughout 
the years covered by these records the 
meeting-house is the center of the life of 
the town. 

The life of the world without seldom 
appears in these pages. The French and 
Indian war passes almost without notice. 



and leaves scarcely a trace beyond a 
slight increase in the number of military 
titles. During the period of the Revolu- 
tion, entries relating to public affairs are 
frequent and interesting ; the troubles cul- 
minating in Shays' Rebellion appear in 
strong light. Subsequently, the annual 
records of elections serves to show the 
continuous connection of town and State; 
and throughout the half- century there are 
the troubles caused by the paper money 
of Colony and State, old tenor and new 
tenor, continental currency and the easily 
made counterfeits of it. 

But, with few exceptions, these are lo- 
cal records. They exhibit little of larger 
political life, little of picturesque event; 
but surely they present a body of materi- 
als from which it is easy for the imagina- 
tion to reconstruct the history and life of 
our predecessors. It is hoped that their 
publication may help to direct attention 
toward that history, and perhaps to en- 
courage the publication of similar records 
elsewhere. 

In conclusion I wish to express my 
thanks to Mr. Bangs, the town clerk, for 
permission to transcribe the records, and 
to Mr. Carter, ex-town clerk, for occasion- 
al assistance. 



RECORDS OF AMHERST, 



FROM 1735 TO 1788. 



A Warrant for tlie first Mi'etiiig in 
riaclley tliird Fresint Anno Dotn 1735 

Hanipsiliere ss. In ptrseuance to tlie 
Request of several freliolilers of the tliird 
or East Precinct of Hadley for tlie Calling 
of a precinct Meeting — To Ebenezer Kel- 
logi; of sd precinct these are In his 
IMajesties name to will and Require you 
forth with to notefy the free Holders and 
other Inhahetance of sd Precinct qiialle- 
fyd f.ir Voatiiig in Town i\Ieeiiiig, that 
they Convean & meet to getliere at the 
House of Mr Zach'r Feild In sd Pre- 
cinct on the Eaiyht day of October next at 
Eaight of ye Clock in the fore noone in 
order to Make Choyce of all nesessary 
Precinct offerers : a Committie for the 
Calling of Precinct Meatings for the future 
and to do act or agree on wiiat may be 
tliouijht [iroper Respecting hireing a Men- 
ester Building a Meeiintr house and agree 
iiig on a place to Set it in and in firiding 
out what Lands may he Taxed for the 
Defraying Charsies About the same Given 
under my hand and Seale this 22iid Day 
of Septendier 1735 

Elezer Porter Justis Peace 

Hadley Sep'tr 23rd 1735 In Per- 
siiance of the above written wrorant thease 
are to Notefy all parsons of ye third pre- 
cint of Hadley afoie sd qiiallified as 
above sd to Conveane and meate to gether 
at the Time and place and on ye Ocation 
above said Given under my band the Date 
ai)i)ve said September 23 : 1735 

Ebenezer Kellogg 



At a Meeting Persuant to above written 
warrant October the Eaiglit 1735 

Voted Samuel Hauley sen Moderator 
Voated John Nash Clirk Voated John 
Ingram sen Sam'll Boultwood Sain'U 
Haulev Coinm'y for Calling Precinct Meat- 
ings Voted Ebenezer Dickenson Aaron 
Smeth Jiio Nash Assessors Voted Ebe- 
nezer Kellogg Collector Voted to Hiere 
a Menestor half a yeare 

Voted that Jno Ingram Jr Jno Coles 
Naih'll Smith Coni'te to iiire a Minester 
Vo'ed to Build a Meating House voted sd 
house forty five foot in Length : and thirty 
five in Bredtii 

Voted sd meating house to be Cover- 
ed with quarter boards of Spruse. Voted 
also to Cover ye Roofe Spruce Shingles 
with out sap and twenty one Inches in 
Lentil. Voated to Set sd bouse upon the 
Hill East of Jno Nashs House in ye most 
Convenient place 

Voted that Saui'll Boultwood Eben'r 
Dickinson John Cole Peletiah Smith Jno 
Ingram Jr a Cominete to order ye Build- 
ing ye Meating House 

At a Meating Novenib'r tlie 25: 1735 — 
Voted John Ingram sen'r Moderator — Vot- 
ed that the former Vote Respecting seting 
of the Mejiting House upon the Hill East of 
John Nash House to be Revoaked also 
Voted that the Meati;:g House be set in 
the must Convenient place neare the 
Elartling Stake so Called — Voted that 
John Ingram Sen'r Sam'll Boultwood John 
Nash Ebenezer Dickinson Aaron Smith 



6 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



to he a Cominety to Order ye Buililinti je 
iiifjitiii^ House 

Att a Meiitiiig December 25: 1735 — 
"N'oted Ebeiuzer ])ickiii>on Moileratur : 
Voted to make Void a fnrmer Vote ot set- 
iiiij ye Meaiinif House ait ye llaitlintt 
ytacke also Voted to Set it upon ye East 
End of Noah Smiths Lot — 

At a MeatiuK in Match the 10: 17o5— 
Voted Jolm Nash Clark: V.ned John 
Ingram t^en Sam'll Boultwood Sain'll 
Hiiuley Commete to Call meatiusiS Voted 
Ebeiiezer Dickinson John Nash Aaron 
Smiiii Assessors Voted Naih'U Smitli 
Collector Voteil to liiis fiftt-eii pounds of 
money to be paid towjirds \e meiii>teis 
Kate Voted yt the Keniainder of m1 U-iie 
be paid out of ye Nonresedent Money and 
ye Remiiinder of sd Money to he Im- 
proved (or ye Building of ye Mealing 
House Voted that ye High way woik be 
done l)y lieads and Teams and yt a Team 
shall be Equal to a hand j)er day 

Samll Haulev Moderator 

Att a Lejjal Meeting Septem'b ye 16.1; 
ITol) Voted 1 to Hire a Minister six 
months — Voted 2 Sam'Jl Hauley Ebenezer 
Kellogg to hire a Minister 

Saji'll Hauley Modera'r 

Att a Legal Meeting Jane'r ve 30 1736 
Voated to give Ebenezer Kellogg five 
pounds to [go] to Salem to Collect Non 
llesident nioi^ey also to pay said money 
out of the same 

Sam'll Boui.TWooD Moderator 

Att a Legal Meeting March ye 17ih 
1737 Voated 1 John Nasii Clark Voated 2 
John Inyrani Sam'll Boultwood Sani'li 
Hauley Committy to Call Meeting Voated 
3 John Ingram Jr John Coles Solomon 
Boultwood Assessors Voaied 4 John Nash 
Precinct Tresurer Voated 5 Jonathan 
Authorton Collector Voated 6 to Cover 
ye Meetitig House 

Ebenezer Dickconson Moderator 

Att a Legal Meeting March ye 22 1737 
Voated 1 to frani Raise & Cover ye Meet- 
ing House this year Ensuing Voated 2 



Sam'll Hauley E'leiiezer Kellogg Eben- 
ezer Dickconson Jonathan Atliarton 
Aaron Smith a Comniiily to se to ye 
Building ye Meeting House Voaied 3 to 
do Highway work liy heads 

Aaron Smith (modera'r 

Att a Legal Meeting April ye 13 1737 
Voated I to give Mr D ivid Parsons Jr a 
Call to settle in ye Ministry. Voated lor 
his settelment to give him tow Lots of 
Land that was Granted lieartofore by the 
town of iladley fir the Settlement of the 
Gospel in this Prei;einct Voated '. to siive 
him Eaighty pounds ye first year & five 
pounds t I be yearly adiled until it amounis 
to one Hundred Voated 3 also towards 
liuihlin-i a Dwelling House to set him up 
a frame futy fiots in Length in Bretli 
twenty one foots & two Storys lii^'li ami 
Cover sd House ami Btiiki ye Chimney 
& Cellor 

John Ingram Jit (Modera'r 

AtL a Leaal Meetinii on July ye 4 : 1737 
Voated 1 yt in order to Enable ns to 
mak sum further off^r to Mr Parsons for 
to Setila among us we will tiy to get more 
Lands for Ins Settlement 

Voated 2 that John Nash & Ebenezer 
Dickconson should seek after sd Lands v& 
Voaied 3 that thay shall be paid for there 
pains 

Sam'll Hauley (Moderaier 

Alt a Legal Meeting Septem'r ye 20: 
1737 Voated 1 to Give Mr David Parsi.ns 
Jnr one liumlred and twenty Poiimls shI- 
lery & for Settlement as was Voated 
lieare to fore Voat-d2 John Nash Aaron 
Smitli Assessors tor this yeaie 

Ebene'r Dickconson (Moderator 

Att a Letral Meeting Novem'hr ye 22 
1737 Voated 1 to hire a Minister for five 
Months Voated 2 to Give a Minister forty 
shillings a sabbath > 

Voated 3 Jidin Nash Richard Chauncey 
a Committy to seek after a Minister 

John Nash (Moilerator 

Att a preceinct Meeting held March ye 
IG 1738 Voated 1 John Nash Clark for sd 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Prf-ceinct Voated 2 El)enezer Dickinson 
Jolin Cowls John Na>h a Cominitte to 
Issu out womints tor Meetings 

Voateil 3 Jolin Nash Preceinct TreMirer 
Voated i Ebenezer Dickconson John 
Cowls Stephen Smith Assessors V'lated 5 
pelitiah Smith Collector 

VoHted 6 sam'l! Mauley Ehenezer Kel- 
logg Ebenezer Dickconson Aaron Smith 
Jonathan Artliohton Cominitty to Build ye 
Meeting House 

Voated 7 to do high way work by pools 
[i. e. polls] Voated 8 to give Josiah 
Chauncey teen shillings for going to Mr 
Barbar Voated to John Nash for Hervis 
done for ye pre(;eiiict & money paid out 
two pound five shillings Voated to Eben- 
e'r Dickson for S' rvioes one pound teen 
shillings 

Voated to Aaron Smith fifte- ne shilliniis 
Voated to John Cowls for K-epiiitf Mr 
Parsons liors five shillings 

Voated to Jonathan Cowls for Keeping 
Mr Parsons upoi the Sahbatli Eaittht 
Shillings 

Voated to Moses Sjnith five shilliiiiis 
paid for ye precinct. 

Voated to pay theas Bills out ol ye noii 
resident money 

Ebene"r Dicivinson (Moderator 

Att a Preceinct Meeting held November 
ye 14 1738 Voated 1 to Mak V..id a form- 
er Voate of setiny the Meetinghouse upon 
Noah Smiths Lot Voated 2 to set ye 
Meeting House upon ye Hill East of John 
Nashs house 

John Nash (Moderator 

Att a Preceinct Meeting held Decem'b 
ye 15 : 1738 Voated 1 to Raise Nineteene 
pounds for Thomas Temple for franeing 
ye Meeting house 

Voated 2 to Ehenez'r Kellogg for Hum 
& Suger three pounds seventeen shillings 
Voated 3 to Raise one Hundred pounds 
for Mr David parsons for preaching the 
yeare past 



Voated i yt Each head & teame be Im- 
proved to get fire wood for Mr Parsons 
Eben'r Dickinson (Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting held on 
ye 25 of Jenew'r 1738 — 9 Voated 1 that we 
will sell ye L'lt granted to this preceinct in 
ye yeare 1738 Voated 2 Ebenezer Dickin- 
son Jonathan Smith John Nash Doc'r 
NaJ.ha'll Sniiili & Solomon Boultwood 
a Cominitty to sell and Dispose of ye afore 
sd Lot in ye Behalf of ye atore sd Lot in 
helialf of ye afore sd preceinct and lo 
Dispose ye aff cts of sd Lands as ye 
preceinct heare after se Best 

And the Commitiy before Named are 
hearlty Impoiiid to Convey a title to ye 
afore sd Lot 

John Cowls (Moderator 

Att a Lethal Precei.'.ct Meeting held in 
Hadley third preceinct Mareh ye 14ih 
1738-9 

Voated 1 J'din Nash Clark for ye yeare 
Ensuing Voated 2 Joi:n Na-h preceinct 
Tresurer 

Voated 3 Jonathan Smith Solom'o 
Boultwood Jona'n Cowls for a Committy 
to Issu out worrants for ye preceinct Meet- 
iiig-i Voaied i John Nash Ebenez'r 
Dickinson Aaron Smith for Assessors for 
ye yeare Ensuing: and to make ye Non 
resident tax that is still be hind Voated 5 
Solomon Boultwood : Collector Voated yt 
John Nash Ebenezei' Dickinson to get ye 
Minisiers Lots Laide out Voted Solomon 
Boultwood John Nash Ehen'r Dickinson 
David Smith John Cowls a Committy to 
order ye Building ye Meeting House 

Peletiah Smith (Moderator 

Att a Legal Meeting held in Hadley 
third preceint ye 29 of June 1739. Voated 

yt the present Co itty for the Carrying 

on ye Building ye Meeting House Shall 
Dispose of ye first hundred and fifty 
pounds yt is and shall be paid by De'n 
Eleazor Matton as they think best 

Ebene'r Dickinson (Moderator 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



A Warrant for a preceinct Meeting Had- 
ley Third preceinct June ye 7th 1739 

This is to Notifi all the freeholders and 
other Iiiliabiiants Quallified Accordinj; to 
Law to Voat in preceinct Meetings that 
tiiey Convean touetiier at ye Dwelling 
House of ye Wid'w Hannah Boultwoods 
in this preceii>ct on ye twenty sixth of this 
present June at one of the Clock of said 
day : then & thare to se what ye preceinct 
will do to settle Mr David Parsons Jn'r in 
ye Gospel Ministry in this preceinct & what 
may be thongiit Best towards Building a 
house for ye Minister : also liow De'n Mat- 
toons first Hundred & fifty pounds shall 
be disposd with all 

Given under oure liands 

Solomon Boultwood 1 Committee 
Jonathan Smith J 

The meeting was opened & Aj^yrnd 
to ye fifth of July, 
againe A'fjoyrnd to ye 12th of July 

A Worraiit for a preceinct Meeting Had- 
ley third preceinct September ye 22iid 1739 

Tills is to Notifi all >e Freeholders and 
other Inliabitants of this preceinct Qualli- 
fied according lo L'lW to Voat in towne or 
preceinct Meetings that they Meet together 
at ye Dwelling House of Doc'r Natlia'll 
Smiths in sd preceinct upon ye twenty 
eaith day of this Instant Septem'r at two 
of the Clock in ye after noone then & there 
to do what may be thought necisary for 
to Encorage Mr David Parsons in ye 
Work of ye Ministry in tliis place : and also 
to do what may he thought necisary in 
order to ordaine Mr Parsons 
Given under oure hands 

Jona'n Smith 1 ^ 

T , ^ y Committy 

Jona n Cowls j ■' 

Att a Legal Meeting in Hadley tliird 
preceinct apointed by them as ye Law Di- 
rects in shuch Cases on ye fifteentii day of 
June 1739 : & after two Adjornments first 
to the fifth day of July : & then to the 
twelvth of July instant : they came to the 
following Voats : 

Voated 1 to give Mr David Parsims 



Jun'r an Invitation to settle with us as 
oure Gospell Minister 

For ills Settlement : 

Voated 1 to give him two Lots of Lands 
granted by the Town of Hadley for a Min- 
ister in this preceinct one lying in the Sec- 
ond Division the other in ye tliird Voated 
2 for to give him one Hundred and 
Seventy five pounds of money towards 
Building his House 

Attested 

Ebene'r Dickinson [ Moderator 

Att a Legal Meeting held by ye Inhabi- 
tants of Hadley tliird Preceinct Septem'br 
ye 28: 1739 as an Addition to oure 
fornirr voats : for Mr David Parsons to 
Setile among us : to Enal)le him to Support 
ill ye Work of tlie Ministry among us 
they came into ve following Vi>aCs 

For his Salary 

Voaied 1 To pay him one hundred 
pounds ye first yeare and to make yearly 
Aditions as ye poles and Rateable Estates 
shall Encreass till ye salary Amounts to 
one hundred and sixty pounds (that is to 
say) iliose poles & Estates that are found 
in this precienct when ye last List was 
taken which was in January 1738 — 9 shall 
pay ye hundred pounds — & ye Adition 
sixty pounds salary shall be livyed & rais- 
ed upon ye Encrease of the polls and Es- 
tates inje preceinct this Sixty pounds to 
be Gradually Augmented as ye poles & 
Estates shall gradually Encrese : this 
Salary we propose to pay in Province 
Bills of ye old Teiiour or one third so 
mucii of ye New : which is to be ye onely 
fixed standard until the yeare 1741 

Voated 2ly that after ye yeare 1741 ye 
Salary Nitall be paide in Money if any be 
passing or Some Comodity whicii shall be 
Equivalent to money upon the footing 
money now stands (that is to say) if the 
Country makes Good the Credit of Prov- 
ince Bills agreeable to promiss at the 
Rate of six shilling & Eaight pence new 
tennor tor one ounce of silver or twenty 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



shillings old tennor the ounce : then the 
abovt'sd sums mentioned to be setteled 
by that standard ; but if the Country fails 
of theire proiniss of tlie Vallue of Money 
above sd tlien the salary to be setteled at 
ye Rate of twenty six sliilling ye old 
tenor the ounce or a third part so much 
ye New ;the tru Intente of tliis Voate is to 
set forth the Value of money as it now 
stands : & how it shall stand in all future 
payments Voated Sly to Provide him all 
his firwood Voated -Ithly to pay him his 
Salary Annually in ye Month of March 
Attest Elezer Mattun 1- Moderator. 

Hadley 3il Preceinct Septem'br ye 28th 
1739 Complifd with the Request of the 
Inhabitants of ye third preceinct in Had- 
ley 

P'r me David Parsons Jn'r 

At a Legal Mealing lield in Hadley 
t'lird preceinct March ye 18th 17iO Voat- 
ed 1 John Nash preceinct Clark for ye 
yeare Ensuing Voated 2 John Nash 
Ebene'r Dickinson Aaron Smith Assess- 
ors for ye preceinct & non resido-nt taxes 

Voated Sly John Cowls preceinct treas- 
urer Voateil 4 Joseph Clary Cnllector 

Voated 5 Richard Cliauncey & Do'ct 
Natlia'U Smith & David Smith a Com- 
mity to Issu out Warrarjts for preceinct 
meetings 

Voated 6 yt ye former Commity to 
Build ye Meeting House to go on wt ye 
work 

Voated 7 to do high way work l>y 
Poles 

After Ajoyrnment to ye 19th of this 
Instant 

Voated 1 to pass ye Bills of Charge of 
Building ye Meeting House with other 
pre(;einct Charges 

Voated 21v granted Ehener D'ckinson> 
and John Cowls Bill for ?."akirig Rates 
Voated 3 to John Nash Eleven pounds 
for provideing for ye ordenation of Mr 
Parsons 
Attest Ebene'r DiciiiNsoN [-Moderator 



An acount of ye Standard of Raising ye 
Rev'd Mr Parsons rate. 

Wharas in the agreement between the 
Rev'd Mr David Parsons and this Pre- 
ceinct att ye time of his Settelment it 
was proposd that an adetion of sixty 
pounds shook! be nidde to his salery of 
one Hundred pounds which adetional 
sixty pounds was to be Levied & Raised 
yearly att proportion to ye Encreas of 
pools an<l Ritahles as they ware then 
found in this Preceinct which was in ve 
yeare 1738 which was to be ye rule or 
Standard of Encreas 

Therfor ye following is an acount of ye 
Number Quantity and Valuation of ye 
Pools & Ratahl Estats as they ware found 
& taken in ye yeare 1738 

Which is to be ye miely Rule tor ye 
Regulati-ing ye Avance of this Hundred 
pounds Salery till it amounts to one Hun- 
dred and Sixty pounds 

Number of Pools 35 Each Valued at 
1£ 5s Gi 

Ratable Estats Vallud att 1101£ 10s 6d 

and one Shilling was Laid upon ye pound 

Attest PjBen'r Dicivinson 

John Cowls 



Assessors 



At a Legal Meeting held in Hadley 
third Preceinct March ye 16th 1741. Voat- 
ed 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark Voated 2 
Jonath'n Sniith Eben'r Dickinson John 
Cowls Assessors tor this Preceinct Voated 

3 John CowU Preceinct Trourar Voated 

4 Kphraim Kellogg Collector : Voated 5 
Natha'U Smith Richard Cl.auncey David 
Smiih a Commity to uive out Worrauts 
for Pieceinct Meetings Voated 6 Solomon 
Boullwood John Nasii & Eoenezer Dick- 
inson a Couimitty to proceed in finisiiing 
ye Meeting House so farr as thay think 
best Voated 7 that ye sd Commiity Build 
a Pue for ye Ministers Wife and sd Pue 
whare ye Rev'd Mr David Parsons shall 
chuse : Voated (8) yt ye Standard for ye 
Raising the Rev'd Mr Parsons Rate tor 
this Present yeare shall be att ye Rate of 



10 



Kecords of Amherst prom 1735 to 17^ 



twenty six shillings the ounce of silver ye 
old Tenner oi one tliird so nmcli ye New 
Voated 9 John Nasli twenty shillings for 
Eecordinj; voatx tor time past Vonted (10) 
to pay ye Kev'd Mr Parsons R'lte u^oii 
or betore ye tt-enth of March Annually 
Attest John Cowls ModerHtor 

Att a Legal M^eliIlg Held in Hadley 
tiiird Preceiiict June ye IGtIi 1741 : 

Voated 1 to sell to Aaron Warner fifteen 
Rods in Breeth of ye High way Lying in 
ye second Division of Lands in this Pre- 
ceinct Bounded upoti Moses Warner south 
by Libarty from ye Town of Hadley 

Voatfd 2 to Give thirty seven pound 
teen shillings of sd Money Due for abovt- 
sd Land;* to Jonathan Arthonton 

Voated 3 to Dispose of ye Remainder of 
sd Money toward fiiii>hiny; ye Meeting 
House 

Voated 4 yt John Nasli & Ebenez'r 
Dickinson take security t(jr ye abve sd 
Money 

Attest Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Melting Held in 
Hadley third Preceinct Miirch ye llth 
1742: by ajurnment to ye House of Nath'll 
Smith in sd precei:>ct 

Voated 1 John Nash preceinct Clark 

Voated 2 De Eben'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurer 

Voated 3 John Nash : Ehenezer Dickin- 
son Richard ChaunCey Assessors 

Voated 4 Joseph Hanley Collector 

Voated 5 Aaron Smith Nath'll Smith 
Richard Cliauncey to Ishue out Worrants 
for Preceinct Meetings 

Voated 6 yt ye Rev'd Mr Parsons Wood 
for this yeareshiU be proportiond upon 
pools & Estates : and that one Load of 
wood shall be Valued at Eaight shillings 

Voated 7 to do high way work by pools 
and Estates for this yeare 

After Ajornment to ye 25th of this In- 
stant to the Meeting house 

Voated 1 An aquittance to John Nash 
as to ye Disposal of De'n Eleazor Mat- 
tons Bond of 300 pounds 



Voated 2 to Make a tax or Rate to 
Answar all the preceinct Debts now Due : 
Voated (3) yt ye Assessors take a List 
and Make this Above granted tax — 
Attestt-d Ebene'r Kellogg Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In 
Hadley 3d preceinct November ye 16th 
1742— 

Voated 1 to provid f>r ye Rev'd Mr 
Parsons sixty Loads of fire wood for this 
yeare ' 

Voiited 2 yt ye Rev'd Mr Parsons Kate 
to be Made by ye same List yt is to be 
taken to kei'p his wood 

VoMted 3 Jr)hn Nash Ebene'r Dickinson 
to observe ye Loads of Wood 
Attested Solomon Boultvv^ood Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceii ct Meeting Held in 
Hadley third Preceinct March ye 21 : 
1743: opend & Ajornd to \e 25th of this 
Instant to ye Meeting Hous att teeti of ye 
Clock of sd day 

After Ajornement said Meeting held lU)- 
on ye 25th of sd March and Voated as 
follows — 

Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
for ye yeare Ensuing 

Voated 2 De Eben'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurar 

Voated 3 De Elezer Mattoon : Ebene'r 
Kellogg : John Cowls Assessors 

Voated 4 Aaron Smith Nath'll Smith 
Richard Chancey a Comuiitty to Issue out 
warrants for preceint Meetings 

Voated 5 that ye Assessors shall g > and 
Vine ye Ratable Lands in this Preceinct 
to Enable them to make a Just Valua- 
tion. 

Voated 6 yt High way work shall be 
Brought into a Rate 

Voated 7 to Provid 70 Loads of wood 
for ye Rev'd Mr Parsons also to rais sd 
wood by H Rate 

Voated 8 to Build a pound and to set sd 
pound upon or near the midle High way 
in ye First Division in ye most Conven- 
ient place 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



11 



Voiited 9 that Solomon Boiiltwood & 
De Eben'r Dickinson order the Buildiner 
sd p()un<l 

Voated 10 to provide fastening for ye 
Meeting Hous Dors and to secure ye win- 
dows : Voated 11 tiiat Solomon Boiiltwood 
& Westwood Cook see yt sd work be done 

Voated 12 to give Aaron Wornar tliirty 
sliillings to sweep the Meeting Hous and 
to give a Signe when to go to Meeting for 
one yeare 

Voated 13 Jonatli'n Moodey Collector 
Attest Aaron Smith Modera'r 

Hfiilley Third Pieceinct Deceni'r ye 21 
1743 In a Legal Meeting being opend & 
Ajornd til De John Naslies House Voated 
to ddd teen Loads i.f wood to tlie Seveniy 
Voated in the Spring past for the RevM 
Mr Parsons Each Load to be set at Eaiglit 
Shillings 

Voated 2 that all the Bills then 
Broughting [brought in] to lie alowed 

Attest Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 

At n Legal Meeting Held upon tlie sec- 
ond Fryday in Marcli 1743 — 4 

V<iated 1 John Nash Freceinct Cl^rk 

Voated 2 Peletiah Smith De Naih'll 
Smith Richard Chauncey C"mmitly to 
Issu o\it warrants for Pr"ceinct Meetings 

Voated 3 Lt Jonathan Smith De Juhn 
Nash Peletiah Smith Assessors 

Voated 4 De Eben'r Dickinson Pre 
ceinct Tresurar— 

Voated 5 Higii way work lo be brought 
into a Rate — 

Voated 6 to Bring ye Getmg of ye R'd 
Mr Parsons wood into a rate 

Voated 7 to pTovide Mr Par>ons Eaighty 
Loads of wood for this year and that 
Ench Loud to he Vallued at 8 Shillings 

VoHted 8 to Lt Jona'n Smiih De Elezo 
Mattoon John Nash to Vew ye Loads 

Voated 9 to give De Nath'll Smith teen 
shillings ould tennor to swt- ep ye Meeting 
House this yeare 

Voated 10 to give Jonnth'n Nash twenty 



Eaight Shillings old tenor to sound ye 
Signal 

Attest Ebene'r Kellogg Moderntir 

At a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
Nove'r the 3d 1744 

Voated 1 to Leuve it whiih ye present 
Assessors to stiite tlie M-mej for ye Rais- 
ing ye Rev'd Mr Parsons SfiUary for this 
present yeare (Voated) 2d to Build two 
pues in ye Meeting Hnuse : one upon the 
womans side upon ye North West Corner 
and one upon ye North End upon ye 
Mens side : also to finish ye outside nf sd 
House 

Voated 3 De John Nash De Ebener 
Dickinson to se sd work is di.'ne 

Voated 4 Libarty to sum particular 
parsons to Build pues upon thare one 
Charg in those places as the preceinet 
[? may approve] sd p^irsons giving ii[) sd 
pues to ye Disposal of ye preceinct upon 
thare Demand sd preceinct paying ye cost 
of sd piies 

Voated 5 to Build a pound : find that sd 
pound shall be thirty feet square (Voat- 
ed) 6 De Ebentz'r Dickinson & Westwood 
Cook to Build sd pound 

Voated 7 that Lt Jona'n Smith De 
Ebene'r Dickinson Jobu Cowls John 
Nash : H Cominity to agree or Let out to 
men places for pues 

Attest John Nash Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
Decem'r the llih 1744 

Voated 1 lo Revoak all ye forrniir 
[voats] respecting ye Building two pues : 
or Letting particular parsons Build pues 

Voated 2 to Build all ye pues Round ye 
Sids of ye meeting House 

Voated 3 Lt Jona'n Sini:h Soloni'n 
Boultwood De Ebene'r Dickinson Jolin 
Nash En's Ebene'r Kellogg John Cowls a 
Committee to see said work atFtcied 

Voated 4 and past ye Bills of preceinct 
Debts then Brought 

Att John Nash Moderator 



12 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
MmpcIi ye 19tli 1745 

Voated 1 Jolin Nash Preceiiici Clark 

Voated 2 De Ebene'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurar 

VoMted 3 En>'ii Ebene'r Kellogg: John 
Cowls De Ebene'r Dickinson Assessors 

Voated 4 : Joseuh Hauley Westw-od 
Cook Aaron Wiirner a Coinmitty to Give 
out Worrants for Preceinct Meetintrs 

Voated 5 to Answar Hi^h wiiy work by 
a Rite tliis yeare — 

Voated 6 to Provide Eipjlit)' L'ads of 
wood for ye R'vd Mr Parsons 

Voated 7 to Rais forty Pounds of Mon- 
ey old teiinor to Provide sd wood 

Voated 8 to Give thirty shillings to Give 
j-e sianel when to meet npon ye sabhaths 
and Lecturs for iliis yeare 

Voated 9 that John Nash se \tye Meet- 
ing House lie swept this yeare 

Voated lOly That John Nash En's 
Eben'r Kellogkf John Cowls make up 
acornpts wt ye Tresurar Ebene'r Dickin- 
son of the preceinct Rat[e]s ;hat are not 
Cleard up: and Mak a Returne to. ye Pre- 
ceinct 
Attes't Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Ht-ld in 
ye third Preceinct ot Haiiley Held March 
ye 18 1746 

Voated 1 Peletiah Smith Moderator 

Voated 2 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
for this year 

Voated 3 De Ebene'r Dickinson Pre- 
Ci-inct Tresurar for this year 

Voated 4 VVestwood Cook Joseph 
Hauley Aaron Warner a Comniitty to 
Issue out Worrants for Prnct-inct Meet- 
ings 

Voated 5 Lt Jona'n Srnith John Nash 
De Naih'll Smith Assessors 

Voated 6 to Give John Nash forty shil- 
lings to sound ye Kunk for this yeare 

Voated 7 to Give ye Rv'd Mr Parsons 
but thirty three shillings upon the Ounce 
for his sallary this yeare — 



Voated 8 to Petition ye General Cort 
for a tax upon the Nonreseilent Propria- 
tors Lands Lying in this third Preceinct 

Voated 9 Lt Jona'n Smith De Ebene'r 
Dickinson John Nash Lt Ebene'r Kellogg 
a Commiity lo advise ami Promote ye so 
Peiitioning 

Attest Peletiah Smith Moderator 

Att a Legal Meeting Held In Hiidley 
third Preceinct April ye 21 : 1746 

Voated 1 to Revoak a [voai] taken att 
Meeting Held March ye IBih 1746 to Give 
ye Rv'd Mr Parsons but thirty shillings ye 
ounce for his S diary. 

Vor.ted 21y to Give ye Rv'd Mr Parsons 
thirty five shillings ye ounce 

Attest Nath'll Smith Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held att 
ye Meeting House Novem'br ye 3d 1746 

Voated 1 to aLow ye Debts of ye Pre- 
ceinct as they stiind in ye Bills 

Voated 2 that ye Present Assessors and 
Lt Ebene'r Kellosig and Peletiah Smith a 
Comniitty to agree wt ye Rv'd Mr Parsons 
how money shall be Valued In order to 
Raise his sallary this yeare 

Voated 4 to Build a pound Vt)ated 5ly 
yt De Ebene'r Dickinson and Moses Wor- 
ner build sd pound 

Voated 6 to Raise ye Rv'd Mr Parsons 
wood this yeare as it was ye Last yeare 

Voated 7 that Lt Jona'n Sniitii Jcdin 
Nash De Eben'r Dickinson : In ye Behalf 
of this Preceinct do Give Aaron Worner 
for this Preceinct security of High way 
Granied to this Preceinct to sell to sd 
Aaron Worner 

Ati't Eben'r Kellogg Moderator 

At a Precenct MeetingJEIeld In Hadley 
third Preceinct March ye 16ih 1747 after 
chois of a Moderator Voated as fidlows 

Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 

Votited 2 Dn Ehenez'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurar 

Voated 3 Nehamiah Strong De Ehenez'r 
Dickinson Nath'll Coleman assessors for 
this present yeare 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17f 



13 



Voated 41y David Nash John Field 
Alexand'r Porter a Comitty to Isliue out 
Warrants for Preceinct Meetings 
Attested by Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
Decem'br ye 2(1 1747 After Choise of a 
Moderator they Voated as follows 

Voated 1 grant Eaight shillings a day 
for a hand : and for a Team a Day 

Voated 2 to grant seven shillings Pr 
Day for a hand and also seven shillings 
Pr Day fur a team 

Voated 3 the Assessors Eaight shilling 
PrDay 

Voated 4 Lt Jona'n Smith John Nash 
Richard Cliancey : Solomon Boultwood 
Nehamiah Strong De'n Eben'r Dickinson 
Nath'li Coleman : a Commity to Agree 
witli the Rev'd Mr Parsons how his 
sallery shall be this yeare 

Voated 5 to Give De Ebenez'r Dickin- 
son 36£ to provide the Rev'd Mr Parsons 
fire wood for this present yeare Begin- 
ning the sixteenth of this present Month 
Attested by EsENE'r Dickinson Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held in 
Hadley third Preceinct March ye loth : 
1748: After ye Choise of a Moderator 
they Came into the Following Voats — 

Voated 1 Jolin Nash Preceinct Clark 
for this yeare 

Voated 2 De Ebene'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurar (or this yeare 

Voated 3 Lt Jona'n Smith John Nash 
De Ebene'r Dickinson Assesors 

Voated 4 Ephraini Kellogg Eben'r Mat- 
toon Sam'll Ingram a Committy to Ishu 
out warrants for Preceinct Meetings 

Voated 5 to Give De Nath'li Smith five 
shillings adition for sweeping the Meeting 
House for this yeare past 

Voated 6 to alow pay for ye work Done 
att ye East End of Jona'n Dickinsons Lot 
the yeare past 

Attested by Jona'n Cowls Moderator 

Att a Legal Meeting Held In Hadley 
third Preci'inct Noveni'r ye 16th 1748: 



after ye Choise of a Moderator they Came 
Into the folowing Voats 

Voated 1 to Give Nehamiah Strong 51 £ 
to Provid firewood for the Rev'd Mr Par- 
sons for the yeare Ensuing 

Voated 2 to Raise one Hundred pounds 
of Money to be Iniprovd toward Building 
Pues in ye Meeting House 

Voated 3 Lt Jona'n Smith Solomon 
Boultwood Eben'r Kellogg De Eben'r 
Dickinson John Nash a Commity to see 
ye sd work Done 

Solomon Boultwood Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
Jiinaw'r ye 27th 1748 After Choise of a 
Moderator they Came Into ye following 
Voats 

Voated 1 to Build a pound : also to 
Build sd pound thirty one feet and one 
half square: and to Make three Lengths 
Each side 

Voated 2 to set sd Pound In the street 
Joining upon John Nashs North Fence 

Voated 31y Solomon Boultwood Eben'r 
Dickinson John Nash to Build sd Pound 

Voated 4 Lt Jona'n Smith De Eben'r 
Dickinson John Nash a Commety to agree 
with ye Rev'd Mr Parsons what his sal- 
lary shall be for this Present yeare 

Voated 6 to Make this tax by the Last 
List 

Attested by me John Nash Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
March ye 13th 1749 

After the Choies of a Moderator they 
Came Into ye following Voats 

Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 
for this yeare 

Voated 2 De Eben'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurar for this yeare 

Voated 3 John Nash Moses Smith 
Joseph Eastman Assessors for this yeer 

Voated 4 Jona'n Nash Semeon Clark 
Daiiiell Kellogg a Committy to Issu out 
Worrants for Preceinct JMeetings 

Voated 5 that the Present Assessors 
agree wt the Rev'd Mr Parsons : what his 
sallary shall be this yeare 



14 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 176 



Voated G tliat John Nash Ebpn'r Dick- 
inson Natli'll a Committy to Hire tliree 
scool Dames for three or four Monilis In 
the- Summer Sesoti to Larne Childreii to 
Read : sd Scouls to be In the Most Con- 
venient Places In tiie Prfceiiict 

Voaieii 7 Nt- ham'h Strouf; : Lt Eben'r 
Kellogg a Committy to Hire sutable Par- 
sons to Blow ye Kunk & sweep ye Meet- 
ing Hous for this yeare 
Attested By Eben'r Kellogg Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meating Held In 
Hadley tliird Preceinct Agust ve Sd 1749 
After ye Choise of De Ebetrr Dickinson 
Moderator tiiey Came Into tlie folh>wing 
Voats 

Voated 1 to seate ye Meeting House : 
and to seate ye Males together and 
Femals to Getlier Except ye two pues 
next ye East End the Pulpit 

Voated 2 that the seators are Guided by 
the following Ruels — that is to say : by 
Age : Estate & Qallifications : and for Es- 
tates to be Guided by the Last years List 

Voated 3 to Make Choise of five meat 
Parsons to seat ye Meeting House 
Attested by Ebene'r Dickinson Moderator 

At a legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
Agust ye 25th 1749— After they Mad 
Choise of De Eben'r Dickinson Modera- 
tor they Came into ye following Voats 

Voated 1 to Make Choise of five meat 
parsons to seat ye Meating House 

Voated 2 to Leave the Deaaiing the 

seats with the seators 

Voated 3 

Lt Jona'n Smith ~| 

Solomon Boultwood \ 

John Nash |- ., -^ ,. 

-r> 171 ' -r.- 1 • the Meetmg 

De Ebene r Dickinson | ^r 

Lt Ebene'r Kellogg J ^°^*® 
Attested by 

Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 
Att A Legal Preceinct [Meeting] Held 
In Hadley third Preceinct October 1749 : 
After they Mad Choise of a Moderator 
they Came into the following Voats 

Voated 1 to Provide ye Rev'd Mr Pur- 



Committy 
to seat 



sons Ninty Loads of fire wood for this 
Present yeare— 

Voated 2 to Raise one Hundred twenty 
two pounds teen shillings to procure ye 
Rev'd Mr Parsons fire wood for this 
yeare 

Voated 3 Mr Sam'll Hauley Lt Jona'n 
Smith Richard Chancey a Committy to 
Vieu ye Loads of wood 
Attested by 

Att A Legal Preceinct Meeting Held 
Jana'r ye 18th 1749—50 

After ye Choise of De Ebene'r Dickin- 
son Moderator they Came into the follow- 
ing Voats 

Voated 1 John Nash : Moses Smith Jo- 
seph Eastman a Committy to agree with 
the Rev'd Mr Parsons what his sallery 
shall be the yeare past. 

Voated 2 to Build a Pound 

Voated 3 to Give Ebene'r Mattoon Nine 
teen pound teen shillings to Build sd 
Pound : as follows : to Build it thirty one 
feet and one half square tliree Length on 
Each Side and six Rails In Eacii Lengtii 
& a cap peace upon ye top : temented up- 
on Each post & ye Posts Set Neare three 
feet in the Ground & to find Iron Hang- 
ings & to finish sd pound workman Like 

Voated 4 to seat the Meeting House A 
Nue 

Voated 6 that Lt Jona'n Smith Solomon 

Boultwood John Nash Lt Ebene'r Kel- 
logg De Eben'r Dickinson Nehamiah 
Strong Moses Smith J(din Dickinson 
Joseph Eastman a Committy to seat ye 
Meeting House 

Voated 6 that the seaters Make it tliare 
Rule In seating : by Estates Aae & Qual- 
lifications 
Attest Ebene'r Dickinson [■ Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In 
Hadley third Preceinct Mnrch ye 12tli 
1750 they Came into the following Voats 
after the Choise of De Ebenz'r Dickinson 
Moderator 

Voated 1 Jolm Nash Preceinct Clark 
for this Present yeare 



Kecords of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



15 



Voated 2 De EbiMi'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurar (or this yeare 

'Voated 3 Capt Jonn'n Smith De Eben'r 
Dickinson John Dickinson Assessors for 
tills Preeeinct for tliis present yeare 

Voated 4 Alexan'r Smith Jona'n Ed- 
wards Moses Cook a Comniitty to Issu out 
warrants for preceiiict Meetings tiiis 
yeiire 

Voated 5 to add to ye Re'd Mr Par- 
sons sallery wliicli was made alt fifty 
seven shillings & Eaij^iit pence the ounce 
to tliree pound ye ounce this yeitre 

Voated 6 to Give Nelia'ni Strong two 
pounds fitteen slliilings to Bh)W tlie Kunk 
for tiiif< yeare 

Voated 7 Jolin Nash Ricliard Ciiaiicey a 
Conii>iitty to agree with some parson to 
sweep ye Meeting House 

Attes't Ebex'k DicivINson Moder'd 

Att a Legal Preeeinct [Meeting] Held 
in Hadley third preeeinct Novem'r ye 
lotli 1750 after ye (.Mioise ot De Eben'r 
Dickinson Moderator they Came into ye 
Eollowing Voats — 

Voated 1 to R-iise thirteen pounds teen 
shillings Lawful! Money to procure ye 
Re'd Mr Parsons fire wood for the yeaie 
Ensuing 

Voated 2 that any Parson shall have 
Libarly to pay his parportion of above sd 
tiiirteen pounds teen shillings in wood iitt 
three shillings pr Load ate ye Judgment 
of a Commilty tor that purpus 

Voated 3 to provide Glass to Mend ye 
Meeting house windows 

Voated i that John Nash Lt Eben'r 
Kellogg Moses Smiih a Comm'iy to Jiuig 
the Loads of wood — 

Voated 5 tiiat John Nash De Eben'r 
Dickinson provide ye Glass for ye Meet- 
ing house & put it up 
Atte't Ebene'r DiciciNsoN Modera'r 

Att a Legal Preeeinct Meeting Held In 
lladley third prec'nt March ye 28ih 1751 : 
After ye Clioise of De Eben'r Dickinson 
Moderator tiiey Came into the following 
Voats — 



Voiited 1 John Nash Preeeinct Clark 
for this present yeare 

Voated 2 Alexan'dr Smith & David 
Nash William Boultwood a Commi'iy to 
Issu out warrants: for preeeinct Meet- 
ings 

Voated 3 De Eben'r Dickinson Pre- 
eeinct Tresurar for this yeare 

Voated i John Nash Ebene'r DiekiTison 
Nath'U Coleman Assessors for this Pres- 
ent yeare 

Voated 5 to Raise fiffeene pounds Law- 
ful Money to procure the Ilev'd Mr Par- 
sons fire wood for the yeare Ensuing 6b 
that Each Good Loiid shall be Vallued att 
tiiree shillings 

Voated 6 John Nash Solomon Boult- 
wood De Ebene'r Dickin«on a Comm'tt to 
prise ye Loads of sd wood 

Voated 7 to Give Ricliard Chancey one 
pound fifteen shillings to sweep ye Meet- 
ing H(juse ye yeare Ensuing — 

Voated 8 to Give John Nasii Jn foure 
pounds old tennor to Blow the Kunk ye 
yeare Ensuing 
Attes't Eben'r Dickinson Moderator 

Att a Legal Preeeinct Meeting held In 
Hadley third Preeeinct Deeeni'ber ye 2 
1751 : After the Choise of John Nash Mod- 
eratore they Came into ye following 
Voats 

Voated 1 to Mak the Rev'd Mr Parsons 
Rate : & ye wood Rate by the same List 
to be Taken this Instant Deceni'br also 
that sd Rate to be Made twnty five pounds 
biger than to Aiisware ye Rev'd Mr Par- 
sons sallary : & tiiat sd twnty five pounds 
to [lie] Loged In the Tresurers offis to 
Answar the Debts ot this preeeinct for 
this yeare 

Voated 2 to finish ye Sleeting House 
this yeare Ensuing 

Voated 3 that Capt Jona'n Smith & De 
Eben'r ]3iukinson John Nash Lt Eben'r 
Kellogg: Joseph Eastman a Comniitty to 
provide \e Matter and to se sd House 
finished 



16 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Voated 4 that De Elien'r Dickinson 
preceinct Tresurar sft" aiul yrit a Bond for 
the Money Du to this preceinct for ye 
Equiveland sold by ye towiui of Hadley 
Attes't John Nash Moderjitnr 

At A Legal Preceinct Meetiny; Helii In 
Hadley third Preceinct March ye 9th 1752 
tliey Came into the following Voats — 

Voated 1 John Nash Preceinct Ci;irk 
for tills present yeare 

Voated 2 Dea Ei)en'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurnr for this yeare 

Voated 3 Capt Jona'n Smith De'n 
Eben'r Dickinson Lt Eben'r Kelloyg 
Assesors for this preceinct for tills yeare 

Voated 4 Nath'U Dickinson Eben'r 
Kellogg Jacob VVorner to serve a[s] Com- 
niittj to Issu out Worrants for Preceinct 
Meetings 

Voated [5] to alow John N ish Jn teen 
siiillings & Eaifjlit pence to Give ye signal 
upon ye sabbath for this yeare 

Voated 6 to Raise fifteene pounds to 
provide ye Eev'd Mr Parsons fire wood 
for ye Ensuing yeare : & that a Lojid -lull 
be valued att three shillings 

Voated 71y that John Nash Dea Eben'r 
Dickinson Lt Eben'r Kellogjr a Coormiity 
to Vallu ye Loads of wood & also to ap- 
point one Day or More to Bring sd 
wood — 

Voated 8 that De'n Eben'r Dickinson 
to treat with ye Owers and se if he Can 
Get ye Money Due to this preceinct upon 
Bond 
Attest EsEN'r Dickinson Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct [Meeiing] Held 
III Hadley third Preceinct April ye 9th 
1752 they Came into the following Voats 

Voated 1 that ye first thirty pounds that 
was Granted to this preceinct for scooling 
be Improved to hire a scool Master att ye 
fall of ye yeare 

Voated 2 that the other tlierty pounds 
Granted ye Last Jana'r by tiie Town to be 
Iniprovd to hire Scoolo Dames In the 
Summer 

Voated Sly that Ji>hn Nash Mr Solomon 



Boullwood Richard Chancey En's Josiah 
Cmmcey Joseph Enstman Joiin Field 
Moses Smith Nath'll Coleman & John 
Dickinson to Hire Scooling and order 
wliare sd scooIp sIihII be keept 

Voated 4 that De El)en'r Dickinson to 
Receive ye fir.-t thirty pounds above Men- 
tioned & to Let it out to Interest & take 
Bond tor sd Money upon Demand 
Attest Eben'r Kellogg Moderator 

At A Legal Preceinct Meeting Held In 
Hadley third Preceinct March the 21 
1753— 

After they made Cliois of De Ebenez'r 
Dickinson Mnd^rator tbey Came into ;he 
following Voats 

Voted 1 John Nash Preceinct Clark 

Voated 2 De Ebene'r Dickinson Pre- 
ceinct Tresurar 

Voted 3 John Nash Aiexand'r Smith 
Elisha Ingram Assessors for the yeare 
En>uing 

Voted 4 Selncoii Dickinson Solomon 
Houltwood Jn & John Nash Jn : a Com- 
niitty to Issu out warrants : & warn pre- 
ceinct Meetings : for the yeare Ensuing 

Voted 5 to Raise fifteene pounds Law- 
full Money to provide the Rev'd Mr Par- 
sons fire wood for ye present year 

Voated 6 to alow three shillings a Load 
LawfuU Money 

Voted 7 J(din Nash Jona'n Dickinson 
Moses Smith a Commiiy to Vallu ye 
Loads of Wood 

Voted Sly Capt Jonatb'n Smith John 
Nash Jonath'ii Dickin>oii a Commity to 
take advice of sum Geiitelmen Concerning 
the Lands sequcstred for High ways In 
this preceinct 

Voted 9 to Hire fonre Bulls In this 
preceinct & that i-lie present Assessors to 
Hire sd Bulls for ye use of this preceinct 
for ye space of one yeare 

Voted 10 Sem-on Clark & Aaron Wor- 
ner a Committy to Hire sum parson or 
parsons to Give the Signal upon the sab- 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17f 



17 



biiili: & to sweep tlie Meeting House for 

tliis present yeare 

Attest Ebene'r Dickinson Modera'r 

Att a Legal Pr^-ceinct Meeting Held In 
Hadiey third Preceinot Jenew'r ye 23: 
1753 after tliey Made Clioise of Joiin NmsIi 
Modt'i-ator they Came Into ye foUowing 
Votes- 
Voted 1 to Ridse teen pounds LavvfuU 
Money to Answer the matter that is pro- 
vided for finisliinii the Meeting House & 
for niiillin Bonis 8 pound thousan 

VoHted 2 that ye Bills of charge that 
was then Brought In at this Meating was 
alowed & past 

Voted 3 that Ji.lm Nash & De Eben'r 
Dickinson : a Conimitty to Examin ye 
state & take advice Conctrning the High 
ways in this preceinct 

Voted 4 to Rjiise foure pounds Lawfull 
Money t() promote soooling in this place 

Voted 5 to Ajorn this Meeting to fifth 
of Pehrewary next 

Sd Ajornment not attended 

Attes't John Nash Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting Heht In 
Hadley third Preceinct July ye 5tli 1753 
tliey Came into ye followitig Voats after 
ye Choise of De Eben'r Dickinson Mod- 
erator 

Voted 1 tliat the Committy Made 
Clinise of the Last March Meeting- that 
they proceed & take advice ot sum Gen- 
telmen Concerning ye Lands that was 
sequestered for Higliways in this pre- 
ceinct by ye town of Hadley & act In that 
affaire according to thare best Judgment 
for the Interest of this preceinct 

Voted 2 yt the foure pounds yt was 
Granted by this preceinct for scooling & 
ye twenty pounds Granted by ye townd 
of Hadley (or ye sttme purpos be Disposed 
to provid three scools In this preceinct 
Kqualy Devided according to ye number 
of scollors 

Voted 3 Ens Josiah Cliancey John Field 
Joseph Eastni m a Conimitty to provide 



a scool in ye North part of this preceinct 
In ye Most Convenient place. 

Voted 4 that Semeon Clark David Nash 
& Aaron Worner provid scooling in ye 
Most Convenient place In ye Midele of 
this preceinct 

Voted 5 that Moses Smith John Dick- 
inson & Alexander Smith a Conimitty to 
provid scooling att ye South part of this 
preceinct 

Voted G to seat the Meeting House In 
tiiis preceinct 

After Ajornment to ye 9th of Agust 
they Came to the following Voats — 

Voied 1 to Make foure pues In ye 
Meeiine House whare the Hind seats are 
and to Move ye other seats forward to 
make more rome for sd pues 

Voted 2 that Ens Josiah Chancey John 
Field & David Nush a Committy to pro- 
vid matter & to Build sd pues 

Voted 3 that Capi Jonatli'n Smith John 
Nash De Ebenez'r Dickinson Richard 
Chancey Jonath'n Moodey Nuth'U Cole- 
man John ]3ickinson a Committy to seat 
the Meeting House 

Voted 4 that these Ruels in seating he 
by Miens age Esiats & Quallifications 
Attested by Erenez Dickinson Moderator 

Att A Legal Preoeinci Meeting Held 
Jenewary SOtli 1754 After they Made 
Choise of De Ebene'r Dickinson Modera- 
tor they Came into the following Voats 
Voted 1 to Devide the Money Belonging 
to this preceinct for the Equevelant Lands 
sold by Hadley Town to be Divided by a 
List — which the townd mad for a Rule to 
Divide it to EmcIi preceinct 

Vonted 2 to add to the Rev'd Mr David 
Parsons salery for this yeare Ninty two 
pounds teen shillings old tennor 
Voated 3 Moses Smith a Committy man 
with John Nash and Lt Ebene'r Kellogg 
to Examin the Tresurar of this preceinct 
Concerning preceinct Debts that are yet 
behind 

Voated 4 that Jona'n Cowls Joseph 



18 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Eastman John Field Jona'n Dickinson 
seators with tliose that was Chosen Be- 
fore 
Attest Ebene'r Dickinson Modera'r 

Att A Legal Preceiiict Meeting Held in 
Hadley second preeeinct March ye 22d 
1754 After they Had Made Choise of John 
Nasli Mnderator they Came Into the fol- 
lowing Voats — 

Voated 1 John Nash preeeinct Clark 

Voated 2 De Eben'r Dicluiison pri^tieinct 
Tresurar for this yeare 

Voated 3 De Ebene'r Dickinson De 
Natli'll Smith Natli'll Coleman Assesors 
for this preeeinct 

Voated 4 to Rais fourteen pounds Law- 
ful! money to procure the Rev'd Mr par- 
sons firewood fur this yeare 

Voated 5 that peletiah Smith Jr & Noah 
Dickinsoti Eben'r Di('kinson a Comniitty 
to Issu out warrants for preeeinct Meet- 
ings that any parson that shall bring a 
good Load of wood to Mr parsons shall be 
aLowed three shillings towards his |iro- 
portion In the above fifteen pounds 

Voated 6 that Mr Solomon Boultwood 
Nehamiah Strong Jonathan Dickinson a 
Committy to vew the Loa'ls of wood 

Voated 7 to R lise ioure pounds Law- 
full money to provide Scooling 

Voated 8 tliat Joseph Eastman John 
Field Moses Warner Jonathan Nash Joiin 
Dickinson Peter Smith a Comniiity to 
Provide Scooling Equally in all parts of 
this preeeinct as they Can : so far as the 
toure pounds above Granted and what 
may be Granted this yeare by the townd 
for Scooling in this preeeinct 

Voated 9 to Raise thirty two pounds old 
tennor to Hire Bulls for the servis of this 
preeeinct for ibis yeare and that the 
Assessors Hire Bulls as they think most 
Convenient for all parts of tlie place so 
far as the above thirty two pounds shall 
Hire 

Voated 10 that Ebene'r Dickinson John 
Nash Jr Noah Dickinson & Joseph Church 



have Liberty to Build a pue whare the 
two hind seats are in the front Galery on 
the mens side upon thare own Charge 

Voated 11 that the Late Seators of the 
Meeting House to Consider if tliey Can 
Resonably make any alteration in seating 
the Meeting House 

Voated 12 that the Late Committy 
Chosen to se about tlie Hi<ih ways that 
they proceed according as thej' think Best 
upon the preeeinct Charge 

Voated 13 that the [y] Grant Caleb 
Barilet seven potiiids old tennor to Give 
the Signiil and sweep the Meeting House 
for this year past 

Attest John Nash Moderator 

thus far the Recording voats answard 

At A Legal Preeeinct Meeting held in 
Hadley Secotid Preeeinct Decem'r ye 13th 
1754 

After they Had made Choi.se of De 
Ebenezor Dickinson Moderator they 
Came into the following Voats 

Voted 1 to add to the Rev'd Mr David 
Parsons Sollary for this yeare niniy two 
pound teen shillings old tennor 

Voted 2 that De Nath'll Smith & Joseph 
Cliurch provide G^ass and put it up whare 
any is wanting in the Meeting House up- 
on tlie preceinet Charg 

Voated 3 that the Assessors Mak a Rate 
to Raise Money to Defry the Charges as 
the Bills ware now passed 
Attest Eben'r Dickinson Moder'r 

Att a Legal Preeeinct Meeting Held in 
Hadley Second Preeeinct March the 24ih 
1754 [1755] 

After they Mad Choise of John Nash 
Moderator they Came into the following 
Voats 

Voated 1 John Nash Preeeinct Clark 

Voated 2 De Ebenez'r Dickinson Pre- 
c-inct Tresurar 

Voated 3 John Nash Jona'n Dickinson 
Peter Smith assessors for this yeare 

Voated 4 that the present Assessors be 
a Committy to take Care of the pruden- 
tials of this preeeinct 



Records op Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



19 



Voated 5 to Kaise fourteen pounds 
Lawful! Money to procure the Rev'd Mr 
David Parso!is fire wood : and that Each 
gooi) Load of wood shall be Vallued att 
three shillings Lawfull Money 

Voated G that Solomon Boultwood 
Jona'n Dickinson : John Nash a Comniitiy 
to vallu the Loads of wood 

Voated 7 that the Commitiy I/ust 
Chosen to seat the Meeting House that 
they Make sum alterations : as to provide 
seats for sum new Cummors — 

Voaied 8 that oure anuel March Meal- 
ing be held upon tlie second Munday 
anually upon said month 

Attest John Nash Moderator 

At a Legal Pieceinct iVLeating held in 
Hadley second preceint Janawr ye 12tli 
175G after tliey made Ohoise of John Nash 
Moderator they Came into the following 
Voats 

Voated 1 to Grant the Rev'd Mr David 
Parsons tiiirteen pounds six shillings & 
eaight pence addetion to his soller}' for 
this present yeare 

Voated 2ly that tlie Sealers Last made 
Choise of that tliey Make sum alterration 
wharf sd sfators think proper 

Attest John Nash Mode'r 

Att A Legal Preceinct Meating lield in 
Hadley second preceinct March ye Eaight 
175G— 

After they made Choise of De Ebenezr 
Dickinson Moderator they Came into the 
following Voats 

Voaied 1 John Nasii preceinct Clark tor 
this yeare 

VoMied 2ly De Ebenez'r Dickinson pre- 
ceinct TreMirai- 

Voatfd 31y De Ebenez'r Dickinson Jon- 
athan Moodey Jonathan Edwards Assess- 
ors for this yeare 

Voated 41y that the Assessors now mad 
Choise of be a committy to take Care of 
the prudenshall of this preceinct 

Voated 51y to Kaise fifteen pounds Law- 
full Money to procure the fire wood for 



the Rev'd Mr Parsons for the next yeare 

Voated 6 that a good Load of wood 
Shall be Vallued att three shillings 

Voated 71y that the Assessors now Cho- 
sen be a commity to Vallue the Loads of 
wood 
Attest Ebene'r Dickin'n Moderator 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meating Held In 
Hadley Second Preceinct Janew'r the lOtl; 
1757 Alter they made Choise of John 
Nash Modera'r they came into the follow- 
ing Voats 

Voated 1 that the Debts as they have 
been considered and have been past and 
tlie assessors are Directed to luake a Rate 
to answer said Debts 

Voated 2 to add to the Rev'd Mr David 
Parsons Sollery for thi.« year that is to his 
original Sollery fifteen pounds Lawfull 
money 

Attest John Nash Modera'r 

Att a Legal Preceinct Meeting held in 
this precenci March ye l-lth 1757 

Attere tiiey had made Choise of John 
Nash Moderator they Came into the fol- 
lowing Voats 

Voat 1 John Na»h Preceinct Clark 

Att a Legal Preceinct meating held in 
Hadley second Preceinct March ye Kth 
1757 

After they made choice of John Nash 
Modera'r they came into the following 
Voats 

Voted 1 John Nash I'receiiict Clark 

Voted 2 John Nash De Nath'll Smith 
Nath'U Dickinson Assessors 

Voated 3 Jona'n Dickinson Preceinct 
Tresurar 

Voateil 4: to raise fifteen pounds lawfull 
money to procur*- th Rev'd Mr David Par- 
sons fire wood and that the sd fifteen 
pounds to be Levied in the Same Rate 
with ye Rev'd Mr Parsons Rate 

Voated 5 that tli'^ assessors now made 
choise of to he a Committy to provide ye 
Kev'd Mr Parsons wood as they think best 

Voated G that the present Assessors a 



20 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17J 



Coiiimitty to titke Care of tl)e j)rufleiUials 
"f the i)reeeiiict for tliis one year 

Attest John Nash Moderntor 

Att a Legal Mt^etiny: Held in this Pre- 
oeinct Decern veSlh 1757 After they Made 
Choise of John Nash Moderator they 
Caine into the following Vosits 

Voateii 1 grunted ye preceinot Debts as 
thev was Brouglit in and Considered 

Voated 21y to add to the Rev'd Mr. Da- 
vid Parsons Sollery so much as to make 
it to amount to sixty pounds 

VoHted 3iy that ye Assessors make a 
tax to Defry sd Debts 

Attest John Nash Moderytor 

At a Legal Precint Meeting held in llad- 
ley Second Precmc March ye 13 1758 after 
tliey made choise of Dec Ebez'r Dickin 
son Moderator they Came into the — 

Voat 1 Josiah Cliauiicy Precint Clark 

Voted 2 Joseph E.isuian Precint treas- 
nrer 

Voted 3 Dea Ebez'r Dickinson Mosses 
Dickinson Dan'll Kellogg Assessors 

Voted 4 filieeii Pounds to Procure the 
Rev'd Mr Parsons fire woud the year En- 
suing 

Voted 5 that the forsd fiveteen Pounds 
be Levied in the same tax witli the Rev'd 
Mr Parsons Stillary & the Presaiit assess- 
ors [be] a Com't to Procure forsd wood 
As they think Proper 

Voted 6 the Presaiu assesors a Com't 
to take Care of the Prudentials of the Pre- 
cint 

Attest Ebz'r Dickinson Moderator 

At a Legal Precint Meeting held in 
Hadley Second Precint April 3 1758 after 
they Made Choise of Josiah Ciiauncy Mod- 
el ator tkey Came in into the following 
Vote 

Voted 1 Alexdr Siuith Richard Chauncy 
Dan'll Kellogg Peier Smith Joseph Eas- 
man Com't to settle Acounts with all former 
treasurers & Committes that have been In 
this Presint 

Voted 2 to Chuse a Coinmiite to take 
advice & Proceed & take such Measure as 



they think Propper to be set of [f] to be a 
destrict 

Voted 3 John Nash Ebez'r Dickinson 
Josiali Chauncy A Ccmiiuitfe for the foresd 
Purpose 

Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
at A Legall Meeiting held in liadley 2d 
Precint June 29 1758 after Dea Ebez'r 
Dickinsor) was Chossen Moderator they 
Came into the following Vots 

Voted 1 to send some Meet Person to 
the Geofrall Court tn appear in liehulf 
of the Precint Respecting A pe'iiion >d 
Precint have luiteied sil Court tn be st t of 
to be a Desirict 

Vot 2d Josiah Chauncy to be the Person 
to appear in Behalfe of the Pariish at tiie 
Generall (Jourt for the foresd Purpose 

Vot 3d that the Com'tt Chossen at a 
Legal Meetiny: in April 3d 1758 by the 2d 
Parrish to take such Measures as they 
thought Proper to be set of to be A Des- 
trict should be the Com'tt to Draw out of 
the treasurers office Wliat Money their is 
belonging to the Precint to Defray the 
Charges the forsd Com'tt have Expended 
in the forsd Servise of the Parish 

Atest Ebez'r Dickinson Moderator 
[By an act passed February 13, 1759, 
the second precinct in the town of Hadley 
was erected into a district by the name of 
Amherst. 4 Acts and Resolves, 1759, ch. 
12.] 

At a Legal Meeting held In Amherst at 
the Meeting House on March 19 1759 alter 
Dea Ebez'r Dickinson was Chosen mod- 
erator they Came IiUo the following Vots 
Vote 1 Josiah Chauncy Destrict Olerck 
Vo't 2 Josepli Easman treasurer 
Vo't 3 Dec Ebez'r Dickinson sessor 
Jona'th Dickinson sesor 
Dec Nath'U Smith 
Ens John Dickinson 
Mosses Dickinson sesor 
Vo't 4 Pelitiah Smith sworn 

Isaac Goodale sworn 
Vo't 5 Joseph Easman sworn 

Jona'th Edwards sworn ^ 



selectmen 



Constables 



Recouds of Amherst from 173") to 1788. 



21 



Vo't 6 Giilf on Di(;kiiisoi\ sworn 
Diin'll Dickinson sworn 
El)ez"r Mnttoon sworn Surveyers 
Natli'll Dickinson sworn 
JmcdI) Wnrner 
Vo't 7 Simeon Clark sworn fnuc" 

Niitli'l! Coleman Viewers 

Vii't 8 J.)sepli Clmrcli sworn 

John Petty sworn Ilojr Uifts 

[i.p.Ke>'ves] 
Eeiibenlngr unsworn 
Vo't 9 Alex'tlr Smith Clerk nmrket 
Vo 10 that Hofis Runs^ & Yoakt Acor>l- 
\ng to Law may Run at Large 

Vo 11 That the Ilijih way work Be Done 
tliis Year By a tax Vo't to adjourn the 
meetiiiir to the 20 of March Instant then 
met and Came Into the foHowing Vots 

Vo'i 12 to Hire Six Bulls for the Di-<- 
trict Service this Year 

Vo't 13 the Select meti to Hire said 
Bulls 

Vo't 14 to Give the Rev'd Mr D^ivid 
Parsons Sixty Six Pounds thirteen shil- 
lings and four Pence LiwfuU Money In- 
cluding the Bind f)r the year Past Ser- 
vice — 

V.)'t 15 that anually the first Day of 
May the time To Pay Mr Parsons Sal 
lary 

Vo't 16 that from the twenty first Day 
of March To the first Day of May that 
Mr Pars >ns Sillary Shall Be Levied In 
the Presant Tax & Paid him and the In- 
terest for the foresaid time 

Vo't 17 to Raise twenty P uinds for this 
Years Sc'ooliiig In the Next Years tJix 

Vo't 18 I'l D scoiitinne one R >d in 
Width tweiiiv Rods In Leimth In the E ist 
Street of the High Way Upon the East 
Side of that L\nd the town i>f Lite Dis- 
continued Begining at the Soutli Side of 
Dan'll Kelloggs Lot & Extending Nirth 
the forsaid twenty R ids 

Vi>'t 19 To Raise fiveteen Pounds to 
Procure the Rev'd Mr P irsons fir(> wood 
for the year Ensuing 



Vo't 20 to Allow for Work Done at tlie 
Highways from the twenty ninth Day of 
March To octoher the tenth Sixteen Shil- 
lings P'r Day lor a haiul & foresd sum for 
teme & the Remainder Part of the Year 
twelve S'lillings P'r Day for hand & said 
sum for teme 

Vo't 21 that Ephraim Kellogg Ehez'r 
Dickinson 3il tliomas Mortton John Field 
Juii'r Noah Smith liave Liberty to Build a 
pew over the Stairs In the Gallary the 
Mens Side if it D m't Hinder Passing In 
the Attics & Ui)- ami Down Siairs 

Attest Ebez'r Dickinson Moderator 
Apiil 8 John Ellis & Ruth Keet Both of 

1759 Amherst have Had their Intention 
of Mariadge Mad^ Publick 
februwary 20 then Solomm Rood & Sarah 
1759 Gould Was loyned In Mir- 

iadge By Me 

test JosiAH Chauncy Jus Peace 

fel) 22 then J nni Young & Margeret Con- 
1759 key Was loyned In Mariadge By 
Me 

test JuSIAH ClIAUNCY Jus Pa 

fel) 22 tiien Aaron Giay & Isabel Lucore 
1759 was loyned In Mariadge By Me test 

JosiAH Chauncy Jus Pa 
April 24 then Benj'n Harwood & C ithirine 

1759 Chauncy Was loyned In Mariadge 
By Me 

test JosiAH Chauncy J P.i, 

At a Legal meeting Held in Amherst at 
the meeting Hnuse on Wednesday the 
twenty first day of November 1759 After 
Dec Ehezr Dickinson was Chosen Mod- 
erator they Came Into the lollowing V.its 

Vot 1 to Cnuse a Com'tt to take such 
Measures as they think Proper in Mtkeing 
answer to the Geiierall Court why the Pe- 
tition that John Mortton & Nathan Dii:k- 
inson Hath Preferd to said Cnurt siiou'd 
Not Be Granted 

Vot 2 J.'siah Chau icy Dea Eoiz'r Dick- 
inson Joseph Eisman a Com'tt for the 
foresd Purjiose 

test Ebi:zk Dickinson Moderator 



22 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17J 



At a Legal Meetitig Ht-ld in aiulierst at 
tlie Meeting House on Wednesday ye 
twenty iliird Day of Janawary 17(50 after 
Josiali Cliauney was Cliost-n iiio'lemtor 
tliey Came Into the follnwinsi Vots 

Vii't 1 two Pounds Lawful! nioney To 
Be- Riised & tlie St'l. ct men have Liherty 
'J'o fay Part or all Said two Pounds T" 
Keulieu Ingram for Keejiinii Dan'll Smith 
if Dt'terniined By iliiiu this Due tVoin tlie 
Destrict 

Vo't 2d tliat the Bills as they have Been 
Read & Ccmsiderd nre Parsed & the Pres- 
ant assessors to liaise sd sums In the 
Pre-aiit 3 ears tax «&, (jrder the same to he 
Paid where it is Due 

Vo't 3d To Give the liev'd Mr David 
Parsons tliis Year for his Sallary Sixty 
Six Pounds tiiirteen Shillings &four Pence 
To Be Levied in the Presant years tax — 

Vu't 4 to Raise ten Pounds thirteen 
Shillings & four Pence L M for the LTse & 
Benifit of Scoding to Be Lvied in the 
Preasant years tax 

test JosiAH Chauncy Moderator 

At a Legal meeting held in amherst feh- 
ruwary 11 1760 after Doctor NMth'li Smitii 
was Chosen Moderator they Came Into 
the following Vols 

Vo 1 Mr Jonnilian Dickinson Ens Johti 
Dickinson Josiah Chauncy ajienis tor the 
Destrict of Amherst to vJomen<'e an action 
in Law witii the town of Hadley respecting 
tiie niHinienenee of Dan'll Smith 

atest Nath'll Smith Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting in amherst Held at 
the Meeting House '<i\ \\'ei)nes<lay the 
18th Day of Marcli 17G0 after Dec Ehtz'r 
Dickinson was Chosen Moderator ihey 
Came into the followiui; 

Vots 1 J,)Siali Chauncy Clerk sworn 

Vo 2 Joseph Easman treasurer Alexan- 
der Smith Simeon Dickinson Constable 
sworn Ebez'r Mattoon sworn Mosses Cook 
tytiiingmen Jon'th Modey Joseph Church 
thomas Hastings Surveyers Sworn John 
Petty Josepii Clary fence Viewers 



Jonaihiii) Smith N^tiian Dickinson 
Sworn Eilward Smith Simeon Smith Reu- 
ben Ingram Hogvifis Sworn Noah Dickin- 
son Elijah Baker Moses Dickinson Dear- 
ifs [i. e. deer-reeves^ Alex'dr Smith Cleark 
of the Markii Packer Giiger 

Vot 2 Hofis Rung & Yoakt acording to 
L iw mny Run at Large the Ye«r Ensuing 

Vo Jon'th Edwards Nath'll Colnian 
Jona'tli Modey J.isiah (^liauncy Dan'll 
K^-llogg Selectmen taken the Previous 
oath Josiah Chauncy Jon'th Edwards 
Joiia'th Modey asse.-sors 

Vo't to Raise thirteen Pound Six Shil- 
lings & Eight Pence for ScooUing in the 
Next tax 

Vo't to Raise fifteen Pound to find the 
R-v"d Ml Divid Parsons fire wood for this 
year 

Vo't Decon Ebezr Dickinson Josiah 
Chauncy John DieUinson A Com'tt to 
View the Higli \v;iy in the East Street & 
fortriver & make ir^al to Exchange Land 
wiiii Some Parsons & make Return to this 
Meeting — 

Vo Josiah Chauncy John Dickinson Jo- 
seph Easman A Com'it to View & Judge 
whiit Damiges Mr J.n'tli Dickinson Has 
Received By the County Road Being Laid 
across his Land & make Return to this 
Meeting 

Vo't to adjourn this Meeting to monday. 
ilie twenty tourtli Day of March Curruut 
at three of the o Cloack in the after- 
noon then met & the meeting opened & 
Came Into the following Vots 

Vo to Build a Bridge over fort River in 
tlie East Street or Near thereabouts Upon 
the Destrict Cliiirtie 

Vo't Solomon Boltwood Peter Smith 
John Billings a Coai'tt to Build the Said 
Bridge 

Vo't to Seat the Meeting House 

Vo't Jona'th Dickinson Capt Jonatiian 
Smith Josiah Chauncy Dec Ebez'r Dick- 
inson Mosses Dickinson a Com'tt to Seat 
the Meeting House Vo't that Age & 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



23 



Quallifications & Estate upon the two Last 
Lists the Rule or Standard wherby the 
fiiresil Oom'tt are to Seet Said meeting 
liouse 

Vo't to Ii:iise Eiglit Pounds to liire Bulls 
for the Destrict Service this Year 

Vo't that tiie high way work this year 
Be Done By a tax 

Vo't to allow for work Done at the Higli 
ways from the 29th of March Curruiit to 
October lOtli sixteen shillings P'r Day for 
hand & said sum for teuie&ilie Remainder 
Pan of the Year 12 Sliillings Pr Day & 
Said Sum for teme 

At a Legiil meeting Hekl in amherst at 
ihe meeting House on tuesdny the 29th 
Day of april 1760 alter Jo»iah Cliauncy 
was Chosen Moderator iliey Came into the 
following Vots 

Vo't 1 tiiat the two tore Seats in the 
weomaiis Gallary in ihe front Sliall Br 
Seated with men & to Build a Ptw for the 
weomeii upon upon the Back Part of the 
front Vo't to Build a Pew over the Stitirs 
for the weoman upon the D.-sirict Charge 

Voted to take Some advice in the 
County Respt-cting the Land formerly Se- 
questered for Highways in this Destrict 

Vo't that Mr Jon'th Dickickiiison & 
Mr Dai.'il Kellogg a Com'u for Sd Pur- 
pose 

test JosiAH Chauncv Moderator 

at a Legal Meeting Held it) amherst on 
Monday the fifth Day of Jaiiawary 17G1 
alter Josiah CliMuncy was Chosen Mod- 
erator they Came Into the following Vots 

Vo'd 1 the Deats as they Have Been 
Read & Considered are Voted Vo't 2 the 
Assessors To Raise sd Deats in this years 
Tax & order the Payim-nt where Due 

Voted To Build two Scool houses in 
this Destrict at the Charge of Destrict 

Votd tliat Simeon Clearlt Etis John field 
Peter Sniitli Lev't John Dickinson Nath'll 
Dickinson Mr Jonathan Dickinson a 
Com'tt To View & Consider Whether it 
Be Best To have two or three Scool Houses 



& AVhere they Judg it most Convenient 
To Place them & make Report to the Next 
March Meetitig 

Votd Sixty Six Pound thirteen Shillings 
& four Pence To Be Raised in this years 
tax & Paid To the Rev'd Mr David Par- 
sons for this Years Sallary 

attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 

at a Legal meeting held in Amherst at 
the meeting house on Monday the Second 
Day of March 1761 after Josiah Chauncy 
was Chosen Moderator the[y] Came Into 
the following Vots 

Voted Josiah Chauncy Cleark Sworn 
Joseph Ertsman Treasurer sworn 

Voted Mr Jonatlian Dickinson Lev't 
John Dickinson Peter Smith Joseph Eas- 
man Ens Joon field Selectmen 

Voted Mr JotiHthan Dickinson Peter 
Smith Ens John Field asesors 

Voted Serg't Thomas Hastings & Serg't 

Gideon Dickinson Constables I Sworn 
Voted Jonathan Modey Mosses Cook 

Noah Dickinson Surveyers V Sworn 

Voted Josepli Churcli John Pettee Tything- 
men I Sworn 

Voted Sam'U Ingram Sam'll Cliurch Fence 
Viewers v Sworn 

Voted Hezikiah Beldin David Smith Sim- 
eon Pomroy Phillip Ingram Asael Mo- 
dey Hogrifs i- Sworn 

Voted Sollomon Boltwood Jun'r Nath'll 
Coleman Ebez'r Mattoon V Dearifs V 
Sworn 

Voted Alexander Smith Cleark of the Mar- 
kit V Sworn 

Voted Moses Dickinson Dan'U Kellogg 
Lev't William Boltwood l Wardens V 
Sworn 

Voted to Raise fourteen Pounds to be 
Levied in the Next years Tax for Scool- 
iiig 



24 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17' 



Votd to acept of tlie Report of the Com'lt 

Respecting the Places wliere the Scool 

houses SluiU Be Built 
Voted the hiniiways Shall Be D(>n'> this 

Preasant Year hy a Tax 
Voted that ilie Select nieii iiire Bulls fur 

this Year 
Voted that the Select men be Impowered 

to Dr«w out of the Treasurer so niucii 

Money as is Due to the Province for 

Last years Tax & Pay it out 

Voted that Mr Jonathan Dickinson have 
Four Acres & three Quaners of the Town 
Land Lying Between Mosses Warner & 
the higii way that Leads to Pellinm Begin- 
ing at tiie East End ol the said town Land 
taking tiie whole Breadth & Extending so 
Ffir West as to ninke up tlie fnresd Quan- 
tity wicli is For Satlistaclion to the aliovesd 
Dickinson for Daniiage Done to iiim By a 
County Road Being Laid across Part of 
his Land 

Atest JosiAH Chauncy Moderator 

at a Legal Meeting held at Amherst at 
tlie ineetinij house on the tweltli Day of 
October 1761 at two ot the Clock in the 
attcrnoon after nir Jonathan Dickinson 
was Chosen Moderator they Came into the 
following Vols 

Voted the Destnct will be at the Cost 
of mending the Road from the Sawmill 
through Edmunt Hubbards L.nd 

Voted the Select men Be a Coin'tt to 
Make Trial to See iiow they Can Exciiangc 
Land for a high Way wiih Jon'th Coles & 
Make Report to the Next Meeting 

Test Jon"th Dickinson Moderator 

at a Legal meeting Held in Amherst at 
the meeting house the 22d Day of Decem- 
ber 17G1 after Peter Smitli was Chosen 
Moderator they Came into the following 
Vots 

Voted 1 to Build a Scool House in the 
highway that Leads to Pelham Near the 
Place where Moses Warners house for- 
merly stood and John Billing Dan'U Kel- 
logg Lev't Will'm Boltwood a Com'tt to 
Build said House 



Voted 2d to build another Scooll.ouse in 
the highway that Runs East and West be- 
tween Joaepli Churcli and Jon'th Coles 
Near the midle of the Length of said waj' 
and Ens John Field and Joseph Easman 
and Sam'll Ingram a Coin'tt to build said 
house 

Voted 3d to Build Jinotiier Scool house 
in tie high way South of Nuth'U Colman« 
Lot East of Plum Brook upon the hill & 
Mosses Dickinson Peter Smith Lev't John 
Di(;kin«oii a Coin'tt to build said house 

Voted 4d that a midling Load Cari* d to 
mr Parsons Shall Be allowi d in ilie Pur- 
son* Rate that Caries it 0—2— 4—3 & the 
Selectmen are to Prise said Loads 

Voted 5th to Give the Rev'd mr David 
Parsons for his Sallary tlds year Sixty Six 
Pounds tiiirteen Shillings & four Pence 

Voted fi ii to Raise ten Pound to find mr 
Parsons ^^itll lire w.md the Ensuinii year 

Voted to adjourn this meeting to ihe 
first monday in fVlnuwiiry Next at Nine of 
tlie Clock in the morning tebruwary 1 1762 
then Mett & Came Into the following Vots 

Voted 8 10 idlow for Sunier Work Done 
at the higli way Be two shiliinas Pr day & 
Eighteen Pence for fall work & the Bills 
as they have Been Considered & Now 
Stand are Voted 

Voted 9 that the assessors make a Tax 
to answer the above said Bills 

Voted 10th to Raise five Pound more 
for Scooling 

Voted 11 (o Give to the Rev'd mr David 
Parsons thirteen Pound Six Shilling & 
Eight Penc as a further aditilion to his 
Sallary 

Voted 12 John Field Asient to Northam- 
ton Court to m»ke Answer to said Court 
why tlie Petition that Ephraini Kellogg 
hath Exhibited to said Court for altering 
the high way ought Not to be Granted 

Voted 13 to Seet the meeting house 

Voted 14th Lev't John Dickinson Doc't 
Nath'U Smith Dec Jon'th Edwards Peter 
Smith John Field a Coin'tt to Seet the 
meeting house 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17i 



25 



Voted yt the Last List age & Quallifica- 
tions be the Kiiles tlie Seet tlie meeting 
liousfj by 
Voted 15th ti) Revoak the former Vole 
that was ti.keti Respecting the Place to 
Set the midle Suool house in tliis Des- 
trict. 

test Peter Smith Moderator 

At a Legal meeting held in Amherst at 
the Meeting hou.<e October 18 1762 alter 
Josiali Chauncy was Chosen Moderator 
they Came Into tire following Vols 

Vote 1 to Choise a Coni'tt to Inspect the 
hridge Near James Merricks house and 
onler Such Repairs to said Bridae as is 
Nesi'asiiry Dec Jolin Nash Doc't Nath'U 
Smith Dan'il Kelh)gg Ens John Field 
Simeon Clark a Com'tt for the aforesd 
Purpose 
Vo't 2 to Build three Scool liouses in 

Amherst 
Vo't 3 to Refer tlie Matter to a Com'tt 

Wlure said Scool houses Shall Be Set 
Vot 4 Cap'i Savage Cap'c Root Dec John 
Gun a Com'tt to Determin Where the 
atoresd ScooU houses Shall Stand 
Vot Daii'll Kellogg Dec Azariah Dickinson 
Mos-es Dickinson Simeoti Cieark a 
Com'tt to wait on the aforsd Com'tt 
Vot to Chuse a Cotu'tt to Build the aforsd 
Scool housses Where the Com'tt Apoint- 
ed Shall order and Joseph Easnian Nath'll 
Dickinson Ens John Field Dan'U Kel- 
logg J"hn Billings Simeon Cieark Mos- 
ses Dickinson Peter Smith John Dick- 
insoii a Com'tt for said Purpcjse 
attest JosiAii Chauncy moderator 
Att a Legal meeting held in Amherst at 
the Meetting house i:i March 17G2 after 
Josiah Chauncy was Chosen moderator 
they Came Into the following Vots 

Vtd Josiah Chauncy mr Simeon Strong 
Alex'd Smith Dan'U Kellogg Mosses Dick- 
inson — Select men Josiah Chauncy mr 
Simeon Strong Mosses Dickinson Assess- 
ors 

Vot Josiali Chauncy Cieark Joseph Eas- 
man treasuerer 



Vo't Peter Smith SoUomon Boltwood Eli- 
jah Baker Surveyors 

Vo't Isaac Goodale Jon'th Modey Jun'r 
Simeon Cieark tythin n\en 

Vo't Jon'th Coles Benjamin Roads Fence 
Viewers 

Vo't Beuben Ingram Simeon Smith Sim- 
eon PoMiroy Ebez Mattoon Aaron War- 
ner Reuben Dickinson Hogrifs 
Vo't Lev't Will'm Boltwood Ebez'r 

Dickinson Jun'r Dearifs 

Vo"t Alex'dr Cieark of the Markit 
Vo't Mosses Warner Nath'll Dickinson 

Dan'il Dickinson Wardens 

Vo't Joseph Church Surveyor of timber 
Vo't Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
Vo't to do the High way work a Tax 

Vo't that Hogs may Run on the Commons 
Yoak't & Rung from the First of May to 
to the first of Semtember Next 

Vo't to Allow Josiah Chauncy Bill 

Vo't to Stop ail Proceedings Respecting 
the Scool houses another Year 

Vo't to Accept the Doings of the Sellect 
men in Exchanying Land with Jon'th 
Coles for a high way 

Vo't that Joseph Easman & Peter Smith a 
Com'tt to Setle with the town of hadley 
Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 

At a Legal meeting held in Amherst at the 
Meeting house in April 28 1762 after Mr 
Simeon Strong was Chosen Moderator 
they Came Into the following Vots 
Vot 1 thirteen Pound Six Shillings & 
Eight Pence tor the Use of Scooling 
Vo 2d to Chuse a Com'tt to Setle with 
the Former Com'tt that was Chosen by the 
Town of Hadley to apear iri behalfe of Sd 
town Respecting the high ways 
Vo't Peter Siuith Alex'dr Stuith Dan'il 
Kellogg Mosses Dickinson Lev't John 
Dickinson a Com'tt to Setle with the 
Town Com'tt 

Vo to Impowr sd Com'tt to Pay the Des- 
tricts proprotion of Charge to the hadley 

Com'tt and to borrow money on the 

Destricts Cre'dt to Pay the same or to 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Find any way to Setle the Same acording 
to their Discresioii 
test Simeon Strong 

at a Legal Meeting held in amherst at 
the meeting house on tuesday tlie fourth 
day of Janawary 1763 after mr Simeon 
Strong WHS Chosen moderator they^ame 
Into the following 

Vots 1 Sumer work from tlie First day 
of May to the First Day of October two 
Shillings Pr day the Reiiuiiiiing Tart of 
the Year Eleven Shillings & tiiree Pence 
Pr day 

Vii't to Raise fourteen Pound for mr 
Parsons Fire wood 

Vo't twenty two Pound for Scooling 
Vo't to Pass the Bills as they have Been 
Read Vo't to Give mr David Parsons thir- 
teen Shillings & four Pence 

test Simeon Strong Moderator 

At a legal meeting holden in Amlierst 
on the 23d Day of March A D 1763 After 
Simeon Strong chosen nmderator voted as 
follows (viz) 

Voted Simeon Strong District Clerk Jo- 
seph Eastniim Treasurer 
Vot'd EHsha Ingram John Billings Joseph 
Eastman Moses Dickinson and Simeon 
Clark Select men for the Ensuing year — 
Voted Moses Dickinson Joseph Eastman 

& John Billings Assessors — 
Voted Ebenezer Mattoon and Airon War- 
ner constables 

Voted Ebenezer Dickinson Jun'r Reu- 
ben Dickinson John Nash Jnn'r Pelatiah 
Smith Jun'r David Smith & Jacob Warner 
Surveyers of Highways 

voted David Blodgett Moses Cook and 
Elijah Baker Tithingmen 
voted Alexander Smith Clerk of the Mar- 
ket 
Voted Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
Voted Jonathan Coles and Nathaniel Cole- 
man Fenceviewers 
voted Noah Dickinson Jonathan Moody 
Jun'r Nehemiah Dickinson Nathan Dick- 
inson Jun'r Oliver Cowls Hog Reeves 



voted Joseph Williams Asahel Moody 

Reuben Dickinson Deer-Reeves 
voted Joseph Cluirch Surveyer of Timber 
voted Simeon Dickinson Azariah Dickin- 
son and Alexander Smith Wardens 
voted tiiat Hogs yoked and ringed accord- 
ing to Law may run at large from the 
first of May to the first of September 
next and after the Middle of October 
next till winter 

Voted To grant the Rev'd David Par- 
sons thirteen pounds Six Shillings and 
Eight pence in Addition to what has been 
before Granted for his years Salary 
Attest Simeon Strong Moderator 
At a Legal meeting holden in Amherst 
on the twenty first Day of April A D 1763 
after Moses Dickinson Chosen moderator 
voted as follows (viz) 

Vot'd to approve of the Jurors ofFer'd 
by the Select men to Supply the Box for 
the insuing year 

Vot'd To adjourn this meeting to mon- 
day the 24th Day of April Cur't at 4 ot the 
Clock afternoon 

April 24th then the District met by ad- 
journment and voted as follows (viz) 

vot'd To Choose a Com'tee with power 
to make wliat Repairs they shall think 
proper in the fort River Bridge below the 
Gristmill or to build another if tliey Shall 
think proper 

vot'd That Deacon John Nash Lieu't 
John Dickinson John Billings be the 
Com'tee 

vot'd to choose a Com'tee to build a 
Bridge over the Mill River where they 
Shall think most proper 
Vot'd Joseph Eastman Ins'n John Field 
Lieut W'm Boltwood Josiah Chauncy 
Esq'r & Daniel Kellogg be the Com'tee 
Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
At a Legal meeting holden at amberst 
on the 27th Day of August A D 1763 
Voted Sinieon Clark moderator 
Voted that John Dickinson John Field 
Daniel Kellogg William Boltwood be Sur- 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



27 



veyors of wlieHt for tlie District of Am- 
herst for the Ensuing yenr 

attest Simeon Clark Moderator 

At H Legal meeting of tiie Inhabitants 
of the District of Amiierst liolden at tlie 
meeting house there on tiie 19th Day of 
December A D 1763 

Voted Josepii Eastman moilerator 

Voted To raise Sixteen Pounds for Sup- 
plying the Rev'd David Parsons with Fire- 
w(>od 

Voted That the price of ordinary Load 
of \voo<l carried to ihe Ilev'd Ditvid Par- 
sons l)e Eighteen Shillings old Tenor 

Voted To adjourn the said meetintj for 
one hour & then to meet & iiold the same 
at the House of Vloses Warner 

Afterwards being met at Said warner's 
House 

Voted To allow those that have labour- 
ed at Building the Bridge near Ephrjiim 
Kellogg's mill one Shilling & Eight pence 
p'r Day 

Voted To allow Gideon Dickinson Jolui 
Field & Ebenezer Dickinson Jiin'r two 
Sliillings p'r Day for their labour in fall- 
ing Timber for tlie above Said Bridge 

Voted To allow the (.Common Labourers 
at building the Lower Bridge near tiie 
mill one Siiillinti & Eight pence p'r Day 

Voted To allow DeHCon John Nash 
Eigliteen Shillings old Tenor pr Day for 
Eigiit Days work at the Last said Bridge 

voted To allow the Bills brought into 
this meeting as they have been read & 
Corrected 

voted That the Assessors of tliis Dis- 
trict be impowered to raise money by a 
Tax for payment of Said Bills & to order 
payment of the Same to the persons re 
spectively 

voted To grant to the Ilev'd David Par- 
sons such addition to his Stated Salary 
for this year as to make in the whole 
Eighty pounds 
voted To Clear & Fence the Burying yard 

in Said District 



voted That Daniel Kellogs; William 
Bollwood Josiah Cluiuncy Esq'r Jii'o 
Field J(din Dickinson Moses Dickinson 
Sam'll Ingram he a Committee to Clear 
said Buryiny; yard & to Fence the Same 
with Stone or Timber or partly witii Each 
at their Discretion 

voted To raise twenty four pounds for 
Schooling this year 

voted To grant Liberty to Joseph Na»h 
Gideon Dickinson Jun'r John Morton 
Jiin'r Joseph Eastman Jun'r Israel Dick- 
inson Alexander Smith Jun'r Thomas 
Hastings Jun'r Josiah Cowls Eneas Dick- 
inson Joel Billing Oliver Clap Jonathan 
Nash Jun'r to huilJ a pew in the Place of 
tile two hind Seats in the upper Teer in 
the Gallary in the Meeting House on their 
own Cost "11 Oondiiion that they resign 
the Same Pew when the District require 
it on the Districts payiiit; back the Charge 
of Building 

Atte.-t Joseph Eastman Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhahitants 
of the District of Amher-t holiten nt the 
Meeting House tiiere March 12th 1764 
Voted Moses Dickinson moderator 
Voted ftimeon Strong Clerk for the said 

District the eii.suiiisi year 

Voted Simeon Strong Treasurer for 
said District the ensuing year 

Voted Peter Smith Nathanael Dickin- 
son J(}natlian Edwards Jonathan Dickin- 
son John Dickinson Select men 

Voted Jonathan Edwards Nathanael 
Dicki.ison & Peter Smith Assessors 
Voted Joseph Church & Noah Dickinson 

Constables 

Voted Simeon Clark Samuel Church 
Ebenezer Dickinson Jun'r John Billiuir 
Samuel Iimrani Jonathan Moody Jun'r 
Surveyors of Highways 

Voted To amend & Repair the High- 
ways by a Tax the following year 

voted Lemuel Moody Jonathan Cowls 
Jun'r Ebenezer Dickinson the third Hog- 
reeves 



28 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17J 



voted Azariah Dickinson Jolin Dickin- 
son Isaac Goodale Fenceviewers 

votedNehemiali Dickii'son Reuben Dick- 
inson & Peter Smitli Tythiiignien 
voted Gideon Henderson Sealer of Lea- 
ther 
voted Hezekiali Belding and John Nash 

Jun'r Deer-reeves 
voted Alexander Smith Survej or of Tim- 
ber 
voted Daniel Kellogg William Boltwood 
John Dickinson & Samuel Ingram Sur- 
veyors of Wheat 

voted Nathanael Coleman Solomon 
Boltwood Samuel Ingram wardens 

voted to adjourn this meeting to Wednes- 
day the fourteenth Day of March Current 
to be holden at said Meeting House 

At a Legal nie< ting of the Inhabitants 
of the District of Amherst holden at the 
meeting house there by adjournment on 
the fourteenth Day of March A.D. 1764 

Voted To provide a Book for Records & 
a grave Clotii for the u>e of the Distriirt 

voted that the Price of a Diywork at 
Highways in Summer be two Shillings & 
five i)ence 

voted that a Day work in the Fall be 
one Sliilling & Eight pence 

voted to Release to Cap't Ebenezer Kel- 
logg his Rates that are unpaid 

voted That Simeon Strong prefer a Pe- 
tition to the Court ot general Sessions o( 
the Peace in Behalf of the District for dis- 
continuing the Kings Highway at the Bury- 
ing yard 

voted that the present Select men Settle 
& agree with Noadiah Lewis respecting 
the Road that lyes through his Lot 

voted To Establir.h the Highway laid 
out by tlie Select men at the Mills at the 
north part of the District which said way 
is laid out & Return thereof made to this 
meeting as follows (viz) '"The following 
"Highway was laid out by us tlie Sub- 
"scribers in the District of Amherst Nov'r 
"the 8th 1763 (viz) Beginning at a Rack 
"at the End of Mr Farnsworth's House & 



"Runs South 30" East Across the Bridge 
"above the Grist-mill nine Rods to the 
"End of s'd Bridge then South 28" west 
"13 Rods then South 6" East 36 Rods to 
"a black oak Staddie with a iieap of 
"Stones about it on the County Road — 
Surveyed pr Ebenezer Childs 

Elisha Ingram ~| 
Joseph Eastman 



T,ir T. r Select Men 

Moses Dickinson 

Simeon Clark j 

voted To choose a Committee to Treat 
with the Hev'd David Parsons respecting 
tlie Settlement of hi.- Sallary 

voted That Peter Smith Deacon John 
Nash Deacon Ebenizer Dickinson Jona- 
than Dickinson Jo-epli Eastman Josiah 
Chaiincy Esq'r Moses Smith Sanmel In- 
gram John Dickinson Moses Dickinson 
Jonathan Edwards William Boltwood 
Cap't Jonattian Smith Pelatiah Smith 
Doct'r Nathanael Smith & Jonathan 
Cowls l)e the Committee for the purpose 
above>aid & make their Report to this 
meeting 

Voted to adjourn this meeting to Wednes- 
day the twenty Eighth Day of March Cur- 
rent 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the District of Amherst holden by ad- 
journment at the meetiiitj iiouse there on 
the twenty Eighth Day of march AD. 
1764 

voted That Hogs being yoked & Ringed 
according to Law may run at Large in 
Said District from the first of May next 
untill the first Day of September next 

voted to abate & Release to Tom Negro 
all Rates that have been assess-d to him 
in this District liiat are now unpaid 

The Committee chosen on the four- 
teenth Day of March Current by the afore- 
said Inhabitants to treat witii the Rev'd 
D ivid Parsons respecting the Settlement 
of his Sallary now make Report & cause 
to be read to this meeting the Proposals 
of Settlement made & directed to the said 



Records of Amherst from 173') to 171 



29 



Itiliabitaius by ihe said David Parsons in 
wriiing undnr liis l.uiiid in the following 
words (viz) 

To tlie I hahiiams of the District of 
Amherst at their District Meeting holden 
by adjournineiit on Wednesday the twenty 
Eifjhth D:iy of March AD. 176-t 

Brethren & Friends, 
Whereas at your meeting liolden on the 
Hth Diy ol march Cnrr't you clmse your 
C'im'tee t" treat with me respecting tlie 
St;iting & Settlement of my SaUary fur tbe 
future & to know (in what Terms I am 
Content to Settle the same I do therefiTe 
hereby uflfer & propose to ynu the follow- 
ing Terms of si-tilement (viz) that vote & 
Grunt me a Sallary nt E ghty ponnd lawful 
mo:iey to be my aiuinal Stilted S;illary for 
tlie tuture during my ministry wiih ymi ; 
& in Case money Siinuld become so Soiree 
as nut to he a common Sufficient medium 
of Trade tln-n I agree to accept the value 
of that Sum m Grain & other necessaries 
ot Life and that you provide my Firewood 
annually as you have done heretofore — 
Also in Case the aliove propoSHl ot provid- 
ing tny Fire-wood is not agreaide to y'U 
I miike you tlie tollowint; proposal instead 
thereof (viz) That you gi'aiit & Voie ni\ 
Sallary lo be Mnnually lor the future dur- 
ing my minisiiy with you ihe sum of ninety 
three pounds Six Shillings & Eigiit P. iice 
lawful money & in Case money Should 
become So Scarce as not to be a common 
Suffirieiit medium of Trade then I agree 
to accept the value of ihat sum in Grain & 
other necessruies of Life & in Case you 
Grant the Last memioned Sum then my 
proposal is that you are torevt-r tieed from 
any obligations to provide my Fire-wood 
Y'r affectionate Pastor David Paksons 
N. B. My Proposal is that in Case the 
above said Scarcity of money should hap- 
pen then said Sallary should be paid at 
the following Rate (viz) wheat at the Kite 
of tliree Shilliugs & Seven pence one Far- 
thing p'r Bushel & Rye at the Rate of two 
Shillings & five pence pr Bushell 



After the Reading of wlii'di P'ojiosals 
the Said Inhabitants proceed to vote in 
maiier Allowing the same vote being re- 
duced to writing & read to said Inhahitants 
& taken in the following words (vz) 

voted To grant & comply with the Rev'd 
David Parsoiis's second Proposal (viz) 
that the District vote & Grant said David 
Parson^.'s sallary for the future during his 
ministry with Said District the Sum of 
ninety three pounds Six Shillings & Eight 
pence; & in Case money Should be So 
Scarce as not to be a (Common sufficient me- 
dium ot Trade then sail Sum Should be 
paid in Grain & other necessaries of Life 
and the District be freed from any obliga- 
tions to provide said Par^^on'j. Firewood & 
in t;ase Said Scarcity of money should 
happen then said Sallaiy to be paid at the 
Rate of whrat at three Shillings & Seven 
pence one Farthing pr Bushel and Rye at 
the Rate ot tvvo Shillings & five pence pr 
Bushel 

Moses Dickinson Mod^ator 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the District of Amherst holden at the 
Meeting House in Said District on the 
S.-venteeiitn Day of December AD. 1764 
at 9 o'clock in the foienoon 

Vot'd Peter Smiih Mmlerator 

Vot'd to adjourn this Meeting for the 
Si'ace of one Hour then to meet at ye 

Same Place Met at said Meeting House 

alter s'd Space and 

Vot'd lo Release to Deacon Ehem-zer 
Di'kinsoii his Note of about six pounds 
old T. nor payable to the District Treas- 
urer for his Service in .\ e office of Treas- 
urer ten years 

Vot'd to Allow two Shillings pr Day for 
Labour done tor the District in Summer 

Vot'd to allow one Shilling & Six pence 
pr Day for fall Work 

Vofd to allow all the Bills as they have 
been read & Corrected 

Vot'd to impower the Assessors to levy 
a Tax on ye Inhahitants of this District 



30 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17i 



lor Defrajiiig tlie Det)ts arising on sai<l 
Bills 

VolM 10 allow ihe Rev'd llol)'t Atier- 
croml>ie twenty SluUiiigs for preachiiifi 
i)ere one Sabhath 

Vot'd to adjourn this meeting to the 
House of Mosfs Warner to meet there 
assooii as may be — n:et accordingly there 
and 

vot'd 10 raise twenty Pounds for the use 
of Scho(jliiig 

Vut'd to iinpower ihe Assessors to lay a 
Tax on the Inhrtl)itant[s] of Said District 
for Said tweniy pounds 

Vot'd to build four School Houses in 
this District 

Vot'd to Choose Several Com'tees to 
determine the Places where said Houses 
Shall be built 

Vot'd Moses Dickinson Pett-r Smith & 
Lieu't John Dickinson be a Com'tee to fix 
the Place for the Nortii School Uoii»e 

Vot'd Josiah Chauncy Esq'r Joseph 
EastniiU) Ens'n Joiin Fiela be a Com'tee 
tor fixfig the Place of the South School 
House 

Vol'd Daniel Kellogg Gideon Dickin>on 
John Billmg be a C'>ni'tee to fix the Place 
of the west Middle School House 

Vot'd Lieul Win Boltwood Isaac Good 
ale Simeon Strong he a Com'tee to fix the 
place of the East Middle Sciiool House 

Vol'd that the District will abide the 
Determination of the jiforesaid Com'tiees 

Vol'd to choose four other Com'tees to 
build said Houses where the afores'd 
Com'tees Shall determine 

Vot'd Elijah Baker Samuel Infjram Na 
tbanael Dickinson be a Com'tee to build 
the norih School House 

Vot'd Simeon Clark Deacon Nash Ins'n 
John Field be a Com'tee for building the 
west middle School House 

Vot'd Daniel Kellogg Jonathan Dickin 
son & Thomas Hastings be a Com'tee for 
Building the East middle School-House 
vot'd Nathanael Coleman Lieut. Jolin 



Dickinson Peter Smith be a Com'tee to 
build the South School House 

Vot'd that the four last mentioned 
Com'tees be one Joint Com'tee for Deter- 
mining the Size & Dimentions of each of 
the said School Houses 

Attest Peter Smith Moderator 

At a legal Meeting of ihe Inhabitants of 
the District of Amherst bolden at the 
j\I' eting House in Said District on the 
Eighieenth Day of March A D 1765 at 9 
o'clock ill the forenoon 

Voted Jonathan Dickinson Moderator 
Voted Simeon Strong Clerk of said Dis- 
trict for tlie Eiisuing year — 

Voted Simeon Strong Treasurer of said 
District 

Voted John Billing Moses Dickinson 
Simeon Clark Joseph Eistman Azariah 
Dickinson Select Men 

Voted Elijah Bitker & Jonathan Moody 
Joi'r Constables 

Voted Gideon Henderson Thomas Has- 
tintjs & Lieut John Dickinson Wardens 

Voted Ins'n John Field Lieut William 
Boltwood Daniel Dickinson & Daniel Kel- 
logg surveyors of Highways 

Voted Daniel Keiloeg Isaac Goodale 
Joseph Dickinson Tithingnien 

Voted Jonathan Cowls & Peter Smitli 
ITinceviewers 

Voted Lieut John Dickinson Samuel 
IngrHin Daniel Kellogg & Lieut William 
Boltwood Surveyors of Wheat 

Voted Jonathan Dickinson Jiin'r Asahel 
Moody & Moses Cook Deer Keeves 

Vote<l Josiah Moody Edward Smith 
Ephraim Kellogg Jun'r & David Cowls 
Hogreeves 

Voted Gideon Henderson Sealer of Lea- 
ther 

Voted Joseph Church Surveyor of Tim- 

lier & Lumber 

Voted that Hogs yoked & ringed act^ord- 
inti to Law may run at Large from ibis 
Time to the first Day of September next 

Voted to raise the Sum of thirty Pounds 
for repairing Highways 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



31 



Voted That tlie Assessors Assess said 
Siiiii on the Inhabitants of said District 

District Meeting March 18th 1765 

Voted That from this Time to the first 
Day of Septemlier next the price of a Days 
w()rl{ at Highways Shall be two Shillings 
& five pence 

Voted Tiiat tiie Price of Fall Work he 
one Shilling & nine pence pr Day 

Voted that this Meeting be adjourned 
to the next Monday at one o'ClocJt after- 
noon to meet at this Place Monday March 
25th at one o'Cloclf 

met hy Ailjournment 

Jonathan Dickinson Moderator 

At a legal Meeting of the [nhabiianti of 
the District of Amherst at tlie Meeting 
Hou<e in Said District on the 6lh Day of 
Jtiniiary A. D. 17G6 at 9 o"Cloclc forenoon 

Voted Simeon Strong Moderator 

Voted to remove the nieetioy to the 
School House wliicli is near Landlord 
Warners dwelling House 

Voted to raise the Sum ol twenty seven 
Pounds for the use of Sclioolmg 

Voted That the Price of Summer Work 
at the School Houses be two Shilling-^ by 
the Day 

Voted That the price of Fall Work at 
the School Houses be one Shilling and 
Six Pence by the Day 

Voted That Carpenier's Fall Work be 
two Shillings & four Peiitie 

Voted That Carpenter's Summer Work 
be two Shillings & Eight Peoce 
Voted To allow the bills as read and Cor- 
rected 

Voted To grant the Kev'd David Par- 
sons the Present year's Sallary ninety 
three pounds Six Shillings & Eight Pence 

Voted That the Assessors make an As- 
sessment on the Inhabitants of the Dis- 
trict for Discharging the Debts before 
allowed 

Attest Simeon Strong Moderator 
At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the District of Amherst holden at the 



Meeting House there on the 10th Day of 
March A. D. 1766 

Voted Josiah Chauncy Esq'r Moderator 

Voted To remove the Meeting to the 
School House near Moses Warner's dwell- 
ing House 

Voted Simeon Strong Treasurer 

Voted Sineon Strong Clerk 

Voted Lieut. John Dickinson Deacon 
Jonathan Edwards Ins'n John Field Sam- 
uel Ingrain and Alexander Smith Select 
Men 

Voted Lieut John Dickinson Ins'n John 
Field and Deiicon Jon'th Edwards As- 
sessors 

Voted Reuben Dickinson and Justus 
Williams Constables 

Voted John Field Gideon Dickinson 
Moses Dickinson and John Nash Jun'r 
Surveyers ot Highways 

Voted Gideon Dickinson Aaron Warner 
and Jonathan Dickinson Junr Tithingmen 

Voted Jonathan Cowls and Nathanael 
Coleman Fence Viewers 

Voted Gideon Henderson Sealer of Lea- 
ther 

Voted Wariiam Warner Robert Em- 
mons James Merick and Eli Colton Hog- 
reeves 

Voted Peter Smith Moses Cook Elijah 
Biker Thomiis Hastings Stirveyors of 
Wheat 

Voted Joseph Church Surveyor of Tim- 
ber 

Voted Pelatiah Smith Jun'r and Joseph 
Dickinson Deer-Reeves 

Voted Peter Smith Dr Nathanael Smith 
& Moses Cook Wat dens 

Voted To repair Higiiways by a Tax in 
the Siime Method as was done the last 
year 

Voted That Swine yoked & Ringed may 
run at large from the first Day of May 
next till the first D^vy ot September next 

Voted To allow Mr Benj'n Dickinson's 
Bill of Eight Shillings tor the Interest of 
his money due from the District 



32 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Voted That ye former Com'tee for fenc- 
ing the Burying Yard proceed to gt>t the 
Highxtay afjaiiist the Buryim; Yard Dis 
continued and likewise fence the Burying 
yard assoon jis may l)e hy collecting the 
Inhabitants to labour at said Busitiess 

Voted To allow of and accept a Road 
laid out bv the Select-Men returned and 
certified by lliem to be laid out as follows 
(viz) "These may certify to thn Meeting 
that We the Subscribers have laid out a 
Highway three Rods Wide mcto-s thn Se- 
questered Lmd btgiiining at As^ihel 
Moody's South Line extendiiiir one Rod 
and a Halt Each Way from said Line run- 
ning from llie County Road West To the 
Town Highway running West ten Detrrees 
North attest John Billin>r Moses Dickin- 
son Joseph Eastman Select Men 
Attest 

At a legal Meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the District of Amherst holden at the 
Meeting House there on the fifih Day of 
January AD. 1767 

Voted Jonathan Edwards Moilerator 

Voted to remove this Meetinji to the 
School House near Moses Warners 

Voted to grant and allow (the Bills 
brimghi in as read & Corrected 

Voted to inipower the Assessors to make 
an Assessment on the Inliabitants for Pay- 
ment of the Bills allowed & of the R, v'd 
David Parsons's Sallary for the ('urrtnt 
year 

Voted That Dea"n Ebenezer Dickin-on 
In'n John Field Joseph Eastman Moses 
Dickinson and Jonathan Dickinson he a 
Coni'tee to Consider how much Land Shall 
he granted to Mr Simeon Strong tor his 
purchasing for the District the Land 
where the Path goes from hartlin;^ Stake 
to ye Boundary near Wolfpitt Brook and 
to make Report to this Meeting en Ad 
journment 

Voted To Seat the Meeting House 

Voted Moses Dickinson John Field Jo- 
seph Eastman Jonathan Edwards Solomon 
Boltwood be a Com'tee for that Purpose 



Voted That for the Future tlie Annual 
Meetings of January and March be Warn- 
ed by Notifications posted on the South 
Door of the Meeting House fourteen Days 
before the respective Meetintfs 

Voted to adjourn this Meeting to Mon- 
day this Day Fort niglit to Meet at this 
Place at one o'Clock afternoon 

Voted To arant and raise twenty Seven 
pounds tor Schoolint; 

Voted That those that have brought in 
Bills to this adjourned meeting for Work 
at raising the West Bridge on Fort-River 
he aUi.ued two Shillings p'r Day 

Voted To allow iho>e that wrought at 
the East Bridge one Shilling and four 
Pence p'r D>iy 

Voted That ttmse th:it laboured at the 
West Bridge at oilier Labour than raising 
be allowed one Shilling ami Sixpenee by 
the Day 

V'>ied To allow the Bills brought into 
this ailj .uriied Meetiiit; as read & Cor- 
reced 

Voted That the Assessors make Assess- 
ment for Payment thereof 

Voted That Lieu't John Dickinson & 
Peter Smith he Agents for the District to 
appear in their Behalf at the next Court 
of general Sessions of the Peace to make 
Defence against the Petition of Jolin Bil- 
ling & others for a Road 

Voted To take of the Seque-tration from 
and Disc'intiniie the Town Highway be- 
tween Pelham Road & the Burying Yard 
fnr the whole Breadth thereof 

Voted To give and grant to Simeon 
Strong his Heirs and Assiifiis forever a 
Certain Parcel of Said Highway between 
Said Pelham Road and the Burying Yard 
hounded East on the Line bounding the 
East Side of Said Highway north on the 
Burying Yard, South on Pelham Road 
and Extending so far West as to make the 
Quantity of Six Acres, upon Condition of 
— his procuring all the Land between 
Hurtling Stake and a Boundary near to 
and South of Wolfpitt Brook and between 



Records op Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



33 



liis own & Solomon Boltwoods Fenc-e on 
one' Side and the Kings Higiiway on the 
other Side; so that n Kings Hiyhway may 
be laid out from said Hartling Stake to 
said Boundary near Wolf-Pitt Brook as 
the travelling Path now goes without any 
Charge to the District of furchasing the 
Land or rendring Damages to the owner 
thereof and in Case the District cannut 
obtain a Disoontinuance of the Kings 
Highway where it now lies and a Kings 
Iligiiway laid where the Travelling Path 
now goes within one year then this Grant 
to be Void 

Voted To clioose Mr Simeon Strong 
Agent for tlie District in their Behalf to 
make Application to the Court of General 
Sessions of the Peace for a Discontinuance 
of the Kings Highway from Hartling Stake 
to a Boundary near Wolfpitt Brook : and 
f.ir another Highway to he laid luit be- 
tween said Limits as the l^atli now goes 

Attest Jon"th Edwards Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the District of Amherst holden at the 
Meeting House there on Tuesday the 
twenty Seventh Day of January AD. 
1767. 

Voted Ins'n John Field Moderator 

Voted To make Such Amendments and 
Alterations in the Meeting House as the 
Coni'tee Chosen for that Purjiose have 
Reported to this Meeting in Writing under 
their Hand 

Voted That Ins'n Field Gideon Hender- 
son Joiin Billing Lieu't John Dickinson 
and Peter Smitli be a Coni'tee lo make 
Said Alterations and Amendments 
Attest 

Record of the Warrant for A Meeting of 
the Inhabitants of Amherst Jan'ry 5ih 
17G7 & the Return thereof which is omitted 
in Proper Place & should have been re- 
corded bef')re the Record nf said Meeting 
3 Pages Each 

[Seal] To the Constal>les in Amherst 

or either of them Greeting You are 

required in his Majesty's Name forthwith 



to warn all Freeholders & other Inhabit- 
ants of said District who are Qualified by 
Law to Vote in Town-Meetings that they 
Assemble at the Meeting House in said 
District on Monday thefifth Day of Jan- 
uary next at nine o'th Clock in the Morn- 
ing then & there after the Choice of a 
Moderator to do as fcdlows; 

1st to Consider & pass the Debts which 
have arisen in the District this year past & 
to raise money as they shall find occasion 

2illy To determine what they will do in 
opposition to the suit of a Highway 
tlKough Deacon Nashes Lot & onward 

3dly To determine whetlier the District 
will take off the Sequestration from and 
discontinue the Town Highway or any 
Part thereof lying between the Highway 
cilled Pelham Road &the Land sequestred 
for a Burying Yard & between the first & 
Second Divisions of Land in Amherst 

4ilily To determine wlsat Lands within 
sai>l Limits the District will grant to Mr 
Simeon Strong on Condition of his pro- 
curing the Land East ot his own & Solomon 
Boliwood's Fence & between said Fence 
& the west Line of the Higli- Way as it now 
lyes of sufficient Width for a King's High- 
way from the South-East Corner of said 
Strong's Fence as the Travelling Path 
now goes to a boundary about six Rods 
Soutii of Wolf-Pitt Brook so that the Dis- 
trict shall need be at no Charge of pur- 
chasing said Land. 

othly To choose an Agent to prefer a 
Petition LO the Hon'ble Court of General 
Sessions of ihe Peace next to be holden 
at Northampton that the King's Highway 
between the Hartling Stake & Said Wolf- 
Pitt Brook may be discontinued and laid 
out where the Path now goes 

lily Whether they will discontinue the 
Town HighwHv on a Spot of Land lying 
between Simeon Dickinson's South Line' 
and the County Road against where Moses 
Warner's House formerly Stood Suposed 
to be about two Acres giving Liberty lo 
Preserved Clap to take Possession thereof 



34 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



7thly Whether tli^y will give Liberty to 
a Number who desire it to build a Pew or 
Pews in the Gallery at their own Cost 

8thly Whether ihey will seat the Meet- 
ing House anew; or make any Alteration 
in the Sitting 

Otlily whether they will allow tluit an- 
nual Meetings whicii are in January & 

March be warned by Notifications and 

you are to make Return (.f this Warrant 
& of your Doings thereon to some one of 

us at or before saiii Time Given under 

our Hand & Seal this 29th Day of Decem- 
ber 176G 

John Dickinson ] 
John Field [Select 

Sam'll Ingram [ Men 
Alex'r Smith J 
Return of tiie Constable indorsed thus 

(viz; 

The Directions of this Warrant hatli 
been attended by Me 

Justus Williams a Constable 

At a Le^al Meeting of tlie Inhabitants of 
tlie District of Amlierst on Monday the 
Sixteenth Day of March 1767 at the Scool 
iiouse at Nine of the Clock in the Morning 
after Josiah Cliauiicy was Cliosen Mod- 
erator they Came Into the following Vots 
Voi'd Josiah Chauncy Clark Vot mr 

Simeon Strong Treasurer 

Vot Jon't'i Dickinson Nath'll Collman 
Joseph Easinan Select Men and Assessors 
Vot Mosses Dickinson Simeon Clark Sel- 

lect men 
Vo't Hezekiah Beldin Asael Moody Con- 
stables 
Vo't Simeon Pomroy Josepii Dickinson 

Jon'th Smith Surveyors 
Vo't Nath'll Colman Jon'tii Coles fence 

Viewers 

Vo't Ebenezer Dickinson Jun'r William 
Boltwood Martin Smitli Tithing Men 
Vo't Mosses Warner Jun'r Jon'th Moodey 

Jun'r Jacob Warner Jun'r Noah Smith 

Jon'tli Dickinson Jun'r Ilogrifs 
Vo't Ebez'r Dickinson Jun'r Simeon 

Smith Dearifs 



Vo't Peter Smith Elijah Baker Mosses 
Cook Thomas Hastings Surveyers of 
Wiieat and Flowr 

Vo't Gideon Henderson Sealer of Lea- 
ther 

Vo't Joseph Cliurch Surveyer of Lum- 
ber 

Vo't Aaron Warner Isaac Goodale Peli- 
liah Smith Wardens 

Vote to keep the Scooll one Month in 
the west Street North End 

Vo't Daniel Kellogg Surveyor 

Vo't to Do the lugh waj's tliis Year by a 
Tax 

Vo't to adjourn this Meeting to the 
twenty thir<i Day of March Currant at 4 
o Clock in tlie afternoon 

Then Meet by adjournment & Voted to 
Except of the Return of the Select Men of 
a hifjh way Laid out as Follows Amherst 
March ye 18th 17G7 we the Subscribers 
liave Laid out a Town high way two Rods 
in Widtli from the Mills to Hadley Line 
we Began Norih of the bridge below the 
Mills and Run Soutli twenty Nine Degrees 
west thirty Rods thence South forty De- 
grees west fifty two Rods 
thence west tliirty Seven Degrees South 
twenty Eight Rods thence North thirty two 
Degrees west Eigiit Rods thence west 
thirty one Degrees South ten Rods thence 
west about Nme Degrees North Seventy 
four Rods thence west about Eight De- 
grees South twelve Rods thence west Nine 
Degrees North Sixty Rods thence west 
thirty Nine Degrees west forty Rods to 

hadley Line 

Jonathan Dickinson'] 

Nath'll Coleman 
Joseph Easman 
Mosses Dickinson J 
Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
At a Legal Meeting held in Amherst on 
April 14 1767 after, Josiah Chauncy was 
Chosen Moderator they Came Into the 
following Vots 

Vot that ye Select Men order out of 
the Treasury ye Sum of fifty two Shillings 



{-Select Men 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



35 



for the Conveying the French Neutrels to 
Canada 

Vo't to Chusp a Com'ttee to Take ad- 
vice Respecting any Mfasures to Prevent 
the E'-taljlislinient of the Road through 
Jolin Niislis Lot Vo't Peter Smith John 
Dickinson be the Coni'tee 

Vot (he Said Com'tee Shall Proceed in 
Law Up.m advice that tliey Shall Recive 
from Such as are Skil'd in Law acording 
to their Direclicn 

Vo't that Money be Taken out of the 
Treasury to Dt-fmy the Cost of the affair 

Vo't Josiali Chauncey Esq'r & Jon'th 
Dickinson be Cotnitty Men To Joyn a 
former Com'tee to Seet the Meeting house 

Vo't that the Coni'tee Cliossen to Seet 
the Meeting house Shall Seet said house 
by Age & Estate and Quallifications 

JosiAH Chauncy Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting held in Amherst i>n 
the Eleventh Day of June 1767 after Jon'th 
Dickinson was Chosen Moderator Came 
Into the following Vote 

Vo't to Discontinue R.)ad or liiyhway 
Lately Laid out by the Courts Cominitty 
through Decoii John Naslies Lot he Now 
Lives on and through David Nashes Lot 
Jonathan Nash Lives an Near the South 
Line of said Lot 

attest Jon'th DiciiiNSON Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting held in Amherst on 
Monday the fourth Day ot Janawary at 
the Scool house at Nine of the t!lock in 
the Morning after Josiah Chauncy E>q'r 
was Chosen Moderator they Came Into 
the following Vots 

Vo't Mosses Dickinson Dan'll Kellogg 
Martin Stnith a Com'tt to Examme the 
Acounts of those that formerly builded 
Pews in the Meeting house & Make Re- 
port of the Sum to the Assessors 

[pass] [heen] 

Vo't that the hills as they have Read 
and Considered And also Six Pounds 
Granted by the District to John Hubbard 
lor Damiges Done him by Laying a Town 



Road Crost his Land and Likewise Mr 
David Parsons Sallary be Raised in a Tax 
on the District by the assessors & Paid 
out where Due 

Vo't twenty four Pounds further to be 
Raised for the Use of Scooling & Paid out 
by the asses>ors 

Vo't the North Scool be kept one halfe 
the Time in the West Street 

Vo't that the Select Men Build a New 
Pound Near Harding Stake or Repair the 
old Pound as they think Best 

attest Josiah Chadncy Moderator 

[Seal] Ham>liere St. to the Consta- 
bles, or Constabe of the Desirict of Am- 
herst or Either of them Greeting In 

his majesties Name you are requir.d forth- 
with to warn all the freeholders and other 
inhabitants Qualified for voting in Destrict 
metings that they Assemble & meet at the 
Schooihous near the hariling Stake in the 
west Street in s'd Destrict on the first 
nionday in March Next which is the 7th 
day of s,d March at nine of the Clock in 
the Morning viz to act upon the following 
articles 

1st to Chuse a Moderator 

2(lly to Couse Destrict ofiicers 

3dly to see if the Destrict will get 
sum bixly to undertake to keep the bur- 
ling yard fence, d and Clear,d for Liberty 
to feed it and for land next to it 

to see if the Destrict will take of tiie 
Sequestoration from any higliway Land by 
the burling yard 

to Chuse a Committy to agree with some 
Person About Keeping the burling yard 
well fensed and Cieard for Land joining to 
it and for liberty to feed the yard and to 
give deed and take obligations of them 
that they Agree with 

4thly to see if the Destrict will Except 
of a highway Laid out by the Select men 
l)eginning north of Elijah Bakers Run- 
i:ing into the Sawmill in Joseph Churches 
Land and Continuing Said Rhode through 
Mr Sharps Land 



36 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



5thly To see if the Destrict will Lay a 
liigliway throngli the first Division from 
the west Street to the Sawmil in Joseph 
Churches Land Where they shall see fit 

6tlily To see what mesures we Shall 
Come into to keep the higli ways in Re- 
pair fur tlie year iiisuing. 

7thly To se if th^• Destrict will Except 
the Rhode Laid tlirough the middle Divi- 
sion on the South Side of Pelletiah Smiths 
Lot from tlie Est End to mill River 

8thly To hear Mr Strongs request to 
Answer him the money which lie paid the 
Conimitty for alterinji the highway against 
the huring yard 

And make returne of this worrant and 
your Doings to one of us before S'd Day 
Given under our hands and seal this fif- 
teenth Day of February 1768. 
Jon'th Dickinson] 
Nath'll Coleman I 
Moses Dickinson f St-lectmen 
Simeon Clark j 
Joseph Easman J 

Return of the Constable Indos'd thus viz 
Hams'h ss. This may Ct-rtify that the Di- 
rections of this Worrant hath beti attended 
by Posting a Notification fourteen days 
before a meting according to the Vote ot 
the Destrict Hezekiah Belding Consta- 
ble for Amherst 

Att a Legal meting of tlie Inlieabitants 
of the Destrict of Amherst on monday the 
seventh day of March 1768 at the school 
hous near the hartling Stake at Nine of 
ye Clock in ye morning After Josiah 
Chauncy Esq was Chosen Moderator they 
Came into ye following Vots 

Vot'd Seth Coleman Clerk for the S'd 
District the Ensuing year 

Vot'd Mr Simeon Strong Treasurer 

Vot'd Levt John Dickinson, Alexander 
Smith Dea'n Jonathan Edwards Ins'n John 
Field Moses Dickinson Select Men 

Vot'd Dea'n Jonathan Edwards Moses 
Dickinson Alexander Smith assesors 

Vot'd to adjurn for the space of one 
hour and Meet at this Place 



Met at said School hous after s,d Space 
and 

Vot'd Nehemiah Dickinson John Nash 
jun'r Constables 

Vot'd Jonathan Cowls Peter Sinith Jon- 
athan Nash fens vewers 

Vot'd Joseph EsTiian Robnrd Emmons 
Jonathan Smith John Field junr Teithing 
Men 

Vot'd Pheilnp Ingram Samuel Ailing 
Joel Moody Oliver Clap Chileab Smith 
Hog-reeves 

Vot'd Moses Cook Elijah Baker Deer 
reeves 

Vot'd Thomas Hastings Gideon Ilander- 
son Timothey Green John Billings Sur- 
veyers of highways 

Vot'd Joseph Church survey er of lumber. 

Vot'd Gideon Honder^'on Sealer of 
Leather 

Vot'd Elisliar Ingram Dea'n Simeon 
Clark Ins'n John Field wardens 

the following Votes were Committed to 
riting and red in the audience of liie des- 
trict of Amherst which are as follows viz 
Amher>t District meting March 7th 1768 

Vot'd To take of the Sequestration from 
the Liiid in the town Highway adjoining 
to the Burying Yard Northward as far as 
Thomas Bascoms Fence 

Vot'd to Dispose of and Grant Said 
Land the Highway adjoining to the Bury- 
ing Yard & as far North as Thomas Bas- 
combs Ftnce to D'n Setii Coleman in Fee 
he giving Good Security for Erecting and 
maintaining a Good & sufficient Fence 
about said Yard forever & keeping the 
same well Clear, d 

Vot'd that [ns'n John Field Dea'n Sim- 
eon Clark Joseph Eastman Daniel Kellogg 
& Mr Simeon Strong be a Com'tee in be- 
half of District to Dispose of & Grant Said 
Land to Said Seth Colem'n, & to Grant 
him Right of Feeding and Pasturing the 
Burying Yard in such manner & for so 
long time as S'd Com'tee shall think ■ 
Proper and that said Com'tee be impow- 
ered to make and Execute in Behalf of 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



37 



the District a Good Deed or Deeds for the 
Effecting the Purpose aforesaid to S'd 
Colnian, & to take & receive of him in 
like manner such securities & join in mak- 
ing such obligations, Covenants Indenters 
or to receive the same of him as Shall be 
affectual to secure the Performance of the 
Engagements on liis part Respecting the 
making Maintaining said fence and for 
Keeping said Yard always well Clear'd 

and the said Com'tee are to use 

their Discretion as to what Quantity or 
part of said Land they will Dispose of; 
and at what Price they will Sell the Same 
for over and above the Consideration of 
fencing & Clearing as aforesaid in Case on 
View of the land they shall find it of 
more Vahie than is now apprehended 

Test JosiAH Chauncy Moderator 

Vot'd To Repare the High-ways this 
year by a Tax 

Vot'd that hogs should run from tiie 
tenth of may next to the first of Septem- 
ber Ensuing being ring,d and yoked ac- 
cording to law 

Vot'd To Allow Mr Simeon Strongs bis 
bill for altering the highway against the 
burling yard ; which is as follows 
May 1767 To p'd for Record of 

Altering the highway North of 

Hartling stake £- 

To p'd for Kntry of Caution at Crb 
To p'd Capt Dwigbtfor laying out 

ye way 

£1 

Vot'd To adjurn this meting to munday 
the 28th of march Currant at the School 
hous near the Hartling stake 

At a Legal meting of the Inhabitants of 
the District of Amherst hold at the meting 
bous on Wednesday the IGth day of march 
AD 1768 at 4 of the Clock in ye afternoon 
&c 

Vo't Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Vo't to remove to the School hous near 
Landlord M. Warners 

Vo't that all Persons that iiave Either 
Children or Prentices or any under their 



17 
•2 



10 



Care that have seats aseined them in the 
meting bous see to it that they take & keep 
their respective seats unless at any partic- 
ular time they were for some speatial rea- 
son invited into an nother seat by the -&ner 
or oners of the same 

On Monday ye 28tb of March 1768 the 
Inbeabitants of the Destrict of Amherst 
met by adjurnment at the School bous 
Near the liartling Stake at fore of the 
Clock in ye atternoon but paist no Votes 

Test JosiAH Chauncy Moderator 

Att a Legal Meting of the Destrict of 
Amherst Holden at ye Meting hous on 
Monday ye IQth of May AD 1768 at two of 

ye Clock in ye afternoon after the 

clu.ice of Moses Dickinscm Moderator 
Came into ye following Vots 

Vot'd To adjurn this meting for ye 
Space of a quater of an hour 

Vot'd To Come into some Measures to 
Clear off the incumbrences from the high 
way runing East and west between Moses 
Warners and Simeon Dickinsons on that 
Side next to Sd Dickinsotis Land 

Vot'd To Cbuse a Committe to agree 
with Jonathan Dickinson & Simeon Dick- 
inson about the Incumberrence on ye 
hit'bvvay aiijoining to Simeon Dickinsons 
Land 

Vot'd That Esq Chauncy feter Smith 
and Solomon Boltwood be the Committe 

Vot.d To Adjurn this meting to Mnnday 
ye 23d of May Currant at ye Metitig hous 
at fore of ye Clock in ye afternoon 

On Monday the 23d of May 1768 the In- 
bealiitar.ts of ye Destrict of Amherst met 
by adjurnment at ye Meting hous at Fore 
of ye Clock in ye afternoon 

Amherst meting May 23d 1768 

Voted To Take of the Sequestration 
from a Sartain peas of town high-way Cut 
& bownded as follows viz Beginning at a 
black oake Staddle markt at about thirty 
seven rods East (as the line of ye lots 
run) of Simeon Dickinsons South East 
Corner thence running East upon the line 
of Simeon Dickinsons lot twenty three 



38 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



rods, tlience Snuth seven rods to a Stake 
• hence westwardley twenty three roils to a 
stake Thence Nortli Eleven rods to the 
former markt Black oake Steadle 

Vot,d That the above bouMdtr'd lot of 
land he granted to Preserved Clapp in fee 
lie Paying or giving good security for tlie 
Sum of Six Pound. 

Test Moses Dickinson Moderator 

At a Legal Meting of ye Destriet of Am- 
lierst St tile school hom on Monday ye 2d 
Day of January AD 1769 at nine of ye 
(.^lock in ye Morning after Josiali CliHuncy 
was Chosen Moderator Come Into thp fol- 
lowing Votes viz 

Voteii To Allow Jolin Nash junr his 
Bill for Money Expended far advice in ye 
aflfare of ye Highway on his lot viz fifteen 
Shillings 

Vot.d To adjurn this Meting f)r the 
Space of one hour and to meet at this 

place the InheabitHnts being met after 

sd space 

Vot,d To Chuse a Comniitte to agre 
with M'rss Nashes about the Damage dun 
them by a highway laid out through their 
land 

Vot,d To Cliuse five men for a Com- 
mitte for ye Purpus above 

Vot,d TothatJosiah Chauncy Esq Peter 
Smith Alex'nd Smith Ins. John Field and 
Moses Dickinson be the Coinmitte 

Vot,d that if the Committe Cannot agree 
with M'rss Nashes they Shall Nominate 
three men out of town to agree with the 

s,d Nashes & their judgment to he Dis- 

ciscive 

Vot.d That Josiah Chauncy Esq Ins 
John Field Daniel Kellogg he a Committe 
to settle the line between our Destriet and 
the Equevolent land 

Vot,d To Chuse a Committe to Exze- 
arain the bridge Near Mearicks and if 
wanted to build a new one 

Vot,d That Solomon Boltwood John 
Nash junr and John Billings be a Com- 
mitte for the Purpus above 



Vot,d To Reliulde or repear that Bridge 
Near Nathan Dickinson junr as a Com- 
mitte shall think best 

Vot,d That Peter Smith Daniel Kellogg 
Noali Dickinson be a Committe for the 
Purpus above 

Vot,d That Simeon Strong Esq. Josiah 
Chaun[<;y] Esq Moses Dickinson he a 
Committe to assertain the Bounds of the 
Town Ways in this District and to Erect 
Snfficient Boundaries Whereby Such Ways 
may be Clearly Known for the future and 
to Prosecute Such Persons as have Made 
Incroiichments Thereon Eccept in Such 
Cases Wherein they Shall think E.xpedient 
to Delay Prosecution in order for the Per- 
son to Appley to the Town for Discontin- 
uance 

Vot,d To Pay the Bills as they have bin 
Red & Considerd 

Vot,d That the Assesors Shall be ini- 
powered to rais the money that the Com- 
mitte shall allow to the Nashes and for ye 
Highway acros their Land 

Vot,d To rais twenty seaven pound ten 
Shillings for Schooling 

Vot,d To allow Mr Parsons ninty three 
pound six and eaigh Pence for his sallery 
and assesors impowerd to rais the same 

Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 

At a Legal Meting of the Inheabitants of 
the Destriet of Amherst on Monday ye 
13th Day of March 1769 at the Meting 
Hous at Nine of the Clock in ye Morning 
After Josiah Chauncy Esq Was Chosen 
Moderator Came Into the following Votes 

Votjd Seth Colernan Clerk 

Vot,d Simeon Strong Esq Treasurer 

Vot,d Simeon Strong, Joseph Eastman, 
Moses Dickinson, Nath'il Coleman, Jona- 
than Dickinson, Selectmen 

Vot,d to Adjurn this meeting for the 
space of one Hour and then to Meat at the 
School House Near Hartling Stake 

the Inheabitants being met at time & 
place Voted as follows (viz) 

Vot,d Joseph Eastman, Moses Dickin-^ 
son Simeon Strong Assesers 



Records op Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



39 



Vot,d Simeon Pomeroy Ebeiiezah Dick- 
inson Junr Constiibles 

Vot.d Jonathan Coles, Natha'll Coleman 
Fens Vewers 

Vot,d Joel Moody, John Nasli junr 
Isaac Goodaie Teiihingmen 

Vot,d Henery Jonson Frankling, Thomas 
Hastings junr Jonathan Coles junr Joseph 
Eastman jun'r Gideon Dickinson jun'r 
Thomas Baskcum Hogreeves 

Vot,d that Hogs Shall run sum Part of 
the year liampered according to law 

Vot,d that Hogs shall run well rung and 
Yok,d from ye first of May to the Midle of 
August Next 

Vot,d Natlianiel Dickinson 2d Moses 
Coock Dear Reeves 

Vot'd Levt John Dickinson, Alexnd 
Smith Elijah Baker Samuel Ingram, Dan- 
iel Kellogg, Peter Smith Surveyers of 
Highways 

"Vot'd to do the Highway worke this 
year by the Pole 

Vot'd Joseph Church Surveyer of Lum- 
ber 

Vot'd Isaac Goodaie Sealer of Leather 

Vot'd Ebezer Mattoon Eli Parker Jon- 
athan Coles Vordens 

Vot'd To Clieuse a Coinniitte to Inspect 
the ways Irom the west Street to the East 
from the Highway by Jonathan Coles Lot 
to the Saw mil tliat was formerly Joseph 
Clareys & see Wliere is the best place for 
a Heighway to be laid 

Vot'd Pet^-r Smith Decn Jonathan Eil- 
wards, John Billings, be a Committe for 
the Purpus above, and to Make reporte to 
the Select Men 

Test Josioh Chauncy Moderator 

Seal Ilampehire ss. To the Constables of 
the District of Amherst or Either of [them] 
Greeting 

You are hereby requir'd in his majestys 
Name forthwitli to warn the Inhabitants 
of tlie s'd District that are Legally Qualli- 
fied to Vote in town Metings that they 
assemble at the Meeting Hous in Sd Dis- 
trict on Monday the twenty third Day of 



October Currant at one of the Clock after- 
noon then and there after Moderator 
Ciiosen to Consider of and Act on the 
following things (viz 1st To Hear tiie 
Report of the Comtee Chosen in March 
Last [to] Ascertain the bounds of the 
town ways in said Distrect 2d To Give 
said Comtee what farther Instructions they 
may think Proper respecting Clearing 
said Ways and prosecuting such as have 
made Incrochments thereon 

3d To Hear the application of such as 
may apply to the Distrect to have any part 
of said Ways Discontinued and act and 
Determin thereon 

4th To Give Such Instructions as they 
shall think proper to the Select Men for 
Laying out or altering town Ways 

5th To Determin What Methods shall 
be us'd for obtaining or securing any 
Debts due to the Distrect 

Cth To Determin Whether the Distrect 
will allow fore month Schooling in tlie 
North Part 

Hereof fail not and Make due Return 
hereof with your Doing herein to us or 
Some one of us at or before the time liere- 
i 1 before Appointed for opening & holding 
said Meting Dated at amherst the Sixth 
Day of October in ye Ninth year of his 
Majestys Reign A. D. 1769 
Simeon Strong ") 
JoNTH Dickinson |- Select men 
Moses Dickinson J 

Return of the Constables Indorsd thus 
VIZ the Directions of this Worrant has bin 
attended by us 

Simeon Pomeroy ") ^ , , 

Ebenezer Dickinson/ "-""stables 

Att a Legal Meting of the Distrect of 
Amherst at ye Meeting Hous on Monday 
ye 23d of October A D 17G0 at one of the 
Clock afternoon After Choice of Joslah 
Chauncy Esq Moderator Came into ye 
following Votes Viz Voted To adjurn to 
the School hous by ye Hartling Stake 

Voted To Allow the North and South 
Sciiools their Proportionable Part of 



40 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Money for Schooling with the Middle 
Schools 

Voted That Simeon Strong Esq Treas- 
urer of ye District belmpower'd & Direct- 
ed lo Serve the Debts Due from John Keet 
to the Distri(;t Either by Taking Land 
Security or oilier wise at liis Discretion 

Voted that the Commille Chosen to 
Clear of Incuniberences from the town 
highway shall postpone the Prosecution of 
those Persons that have made incrochment 
tUl ye 1st Day of October A. D. 1770 

Voted To Adjourn this Meting to tlie 
first of November Next at this Place at 
Nine of tlie Clock in tlie morning 

Att a Meeting of the Inhabitants ot 
Andierst hoiden by Adjurnment on the 
first Day of November being Monday at 
nine o'Clock in the Forenoon 

The Comtee Chosen in March last for 
Assertaining and Clearing of Incum- 
brances from tlie town Ways, And alter- 
wards at this Meeting begin and Hoiden 
on the twenty third Day ol October Laist, 
Instructed to hear the Applications of 
Such as desir'd or should Desire any Part 
of Said AVays Discontinued for their own 
Perticular Accomodation and to make 
heir Report to this Meeting Now Hoiden 
by Adjournment; heaving according to 
their said Instructions heard and CareluUy 
Consider'd the .Several Applications to 
them made and the Reasons Pleas & Alii 
gations of the Several Parties thereon do 
Now ac. ordingly Make their Reporte as 
follows vii; 

The Following Petitions and Reports 
were Each Seperately Voted according as 
follows viz 

Voted Upon the Petitions of Daniel 
Kellogg according to the Comtees Reports 
that the after described Piece of Lund 
adjoining to the front of his Lot be discon- 
tinued from being of the town Way (viz) 
Beginning at the South East Corner of 
His Lot and thence running Easterly in 
the Line of his Lot Continued Six Rods 
from the said Corner thence Northerly to 



a Station one rod Easterly of and Directly 
against tlie Southerly Side of his Hous 
Then Still Northerly leaving tlie Breadth 
of one Rod against Said House to tlie 
North East Corner of Sd House thence 
Northerly to the Stone Wall Whicli begins 
at the North Ea>-t Corner of his Corn 
house (hence Northerly by the Said Wall 
to the End of the same, and thence North- 
erly to fall in with the Line of the way at 
the Distance of Six Rods from the North 
End af Said Wall 

The above Piece is to be understood to 
Include within it all Former Discontinu- 
ances at the Front of the same lot Said 
Peace Containing Sixty Rods and that he 
pay therefor the Sum of Thirty Shilling 

Voted Upon the Petition of Nathan 
Dickinson, according to the Comtees re- 
porte that the after Describ'd Part of town 
way at the Front of his Lot be Discon- 
tinued (viz) Beginning at a station one 
rod north of the North West Corner of 
his Barn and three rods West of the Line 
of the townway thence a Line North to 
fall in with the Line of the way at the 
Distance of Ten Rods and Running from 
Said Station Soutii one rod Westerly of 
his Dwelling Uous till the Line Comes 
Against the South West Corner thereof 
then turning Easterly to fall in with the 
Line of the way at the Distance of twelve 
Rods the Same Containing Ninety two 
Rods of Land ; and that he Pay therefor 
the sum of forty six shillings 

Voted Upon the Petition of Gideon 
Dickinson for Discontinuing apart of the 
Way at the Front of his Lot in the third 
Division Where Moses Hawley New 
Dwells; according to the Comtees Report 
that (he following Piece be Discontinued 
(viz) 

Beginning at a Birch Stake a Rod West- 
erly of the Soutli Side of the Lot thence to 
the west Side of a Small apple Tree Mark- 
ed and Standing between the House & the 
Travelled Road thence to a Station half a 
rod West of the Northwest Corner of the 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788, 



41 



Barn thence Northerly twenty three rods 
to fall in with tlie Line of tlie way, the 
Same Piece Containing one Hundred & fore 
Hods and that he pay therefor the Sum of 
forty four Shillings 

Voted Upon the Petition of Ebenezar 
Mattoon, according to the Comtees report 
that all that part of tlie Way which Lies 
within his fence at his front from the South 
Side of his Lot tliat he Lives on to his 
barn and within on Easterly of the Line 
of Said fence Continued to the North Side 
of the Lot be Discontinued and the Cointee 
being fully Satisfied that Said Land lias 
been once Purchased & paid for to the 
town of Iladley while the Land beloii^'d 
there, Report that no Farther Reconipence 
be made therefor 

Voted Upon the Petition of Solomon 
Boltwood, according to the Comtees Re- 
port, that All that Part of the way lying 
between his Dwelling Hous & his lious on 
the hill lately owned by his brother Wil- 
limn Boltwood tiiat is to say all that lies 
within the grant made to His Father by 
Hadley Conmiittf between Said bouses be 
Discontinued — and that be make no Rec- 
onipence therefor having Proved to ye 
Conitec that the Same has been paid (or to 
ye town of Hadley — 

Voted Upon the Petition of Moses 
Warner, according to the Conitee Report 
to Discontinue the followiui; Part of the 
way at the Front of liis Lot (viz) Begin- 
ning one Rod north of his House and 
Door Yard two Rods wide from the Line 
& Continuing tht' same Breadth Southerly 
to the Souih Side of his garden thence to 
a Point at tlie South Side of his Lot the 
same Containing fifty tour Rods, and that 
he pay therefor the Sum of forty Shil- 
liims — 

Voted Upon the Petition of John Nash 
According to the Comtee Report for Dis- 
continuing the after Discribed Part of the 
way at the front of his Lot (viz) Begiiiing 
at a Stake Erected by the Comtee at ye 
North West Corner of Said Lot as it is 



Now Inclosed, thence Runing a Strait 
Line [to] a Wliite Oake Tree about three 
Rods South of his Barn ; the same Peicc 
Containing twenty four Rods of Ground 
and that he pay therefor the Sum of Fifteen 
Shillings — 

Voted Upon the Petition of Elisha In- 
gram, and John Billings, and for Strait. 
ning as much as may be the Line of the 
Way on that Side according to tlie Com- 
tee Report, that the Line of the Way from 
the South East Corner of tlie Revd Mr 
David Parsonss Garden run Southward as 
his Fence now Stands to a Stake Erected 
by the Comtee thence Running to a Sta- 
tion west of Said Fence and one rod East 
of High lilack Oak Stump or Tree Mark,d 
H. W. thence to a Stake about three Rods 
Southward in the same line thence to a 
Stake Standing ten feet East of Ingrams 
Ditch tlience to the West End of Said 
Ingrains Sliop thence running to a Station 
four Feet East of an apple Tree Marked 
in John Billings Lot and thence falling in 
with the Line of the Way at the North 
East Corner ot Said Billings Shop and 
that all that Part of the townway which * 
now lies on the west side of said Line be 
Disconiinned, and Also the Land on 
Which Said Ingrams Shop stands and tluit 
said Ingriim pay for his partof S^id Lands 
being Sixteen Rods the Sum of ten Shil- 
lings and that Said Billings pay for his 
part of Said Lands being twenty five Rods 
the sum oi fourteen Shillings — 

Voted Up<m the Petition of Josiali 
Moudy According to the Comtees Opinion 
that whereas the Accomodating of Eli 
Parker with Lands about his Dwelling 
hous according to the Instruciions of the 
town will much Deform & Damnify the 
Front of Said Moodeys Lot Lying on the 
North Side of SaiJ Parkers and also make 
the Line of the way in Said phice veary 
Crooked and Inconvenient unless they pro- 
vide therefor in bringing forward the Line 
against Said Moodeys Lot they therefore 



42 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17? 



Reporte that the Line of the Way in that 
place be hs follows (viz) 

Beginning at a stake standing in the 
midle of a grate Hollow Oak Stub thence 
Ruiiing Soutlierly to a Stake and Stones 
Erected by the Conitee at the North End 
of a Little Knoll thence a Line Directly to 
the North West Corner of Eli Parkers 
Hous and that all the Land within tlie 
Said Lines Adjoirnng to Said Moodeys 
Lot be Discontinued untiil it Comes to tlie 
Distance of one rod of Said Parkers House 
and no Farther the same being Nmety 
Rods of Ground and that he pay tlierefor 
the Sum of thirty Shillings — 

Voted Upon the petition of Eli Parker 
according to the Oomtees Report for the 
Discontinuing ol the after Discribed Part 
of the way lit ye Front of liis Lot (viz) 
Whereon his Dwelling Hous stands and 
one Rod at tlie North End thereof the 
whole Breadth of ye House & Extending 
ten leet Eastward ; Also Ten Feet before 
Said Hous Eastward the whole Length 
thereof also the whole Tract Contained in 
the Following Description (viz) Begin- 
ning about Seven Rods Easterly fmni the 
South East Corner of His Lot at a banc's 
of Staddels (viz) four Maples and one 
Elm Standing Close together nil Marked 
by the Comtee tlieiice a Straight Line to 
the South East Corner of his Dwelling 
Hous and Extending one Rod North ot 
the Lane — the Same Piece Containing the 
Quantity of two Acres «&, ten Rods and thai 
he pay therefor — the sum of Six Pounds — 

Voted Upon the Petition of James Mer- 
ick and Timothy Green According to the 
Coiniee report that the Line of the way 
Against the front of their Lots be as fol- 
lows Qviz) From the Line of tlie way at 
or against the North side of said Mericks 
Lot to Run Southerly by said Mericks 
Dwelling Hous So as to leave one rod 
before or Eastward of Said House then 
Continuing Southward to a Stake Against 
the South Line of his Lot one Rod & half 
Est from the Line of the way and thence 



Running a Strait Line So as to leave one 
Rod before and Eastward of the said 
Greens Dwelling Hons thence running So 
as to fall in with the Line of the way at 
a White Oak Staddle Marked about four- 
teen Rods southward of Said Hous; and 
that all the present way lying between 
Said Line & the Lots be Discontinued and 
that S^tid Merrick pay for his part thereof 
being ninety Eaight Rod the Sum of thir- 
ty Shillings and that Said green pny for 
his Part thereof being Sixty four Rods the 
sum of twenty two Shillings — 

Voted Upon the Petition of Aaron 
Warner for Discontinuance of Part of the 
way against the front of liis Lot in the 
south part of tlie Distrect, & the Comtee 
Reporte tliat the after Descrihed part 
thereof be Discontinued (viz) On" Rod 
before or Westward of his Hous the hole 
Lengtii thereof thence Running Nortlit-rly 
to a point at the north Side of liis Lot and 
Sutherly to a point at the South Side of 
his Lot, the Same Containing seventy five 
Rods, and tliat he pay therefor the Sum 
of twenty Eight Sliillings — 

Votad Upon the Petition of Lemeul 
Moody according to the Conitee Report 
that there he Discontinued one Rod hefire 
& East of his Dwelling Hous the hole 
Length thereof & to be a Line Running 
thence Northerly to the North Si<le of his 
Lot & Southerly to a point at the S<mth 
Side of his Lot the Same Containing fifty 
two rods, and that he pay therefor Nine- 
teen Shillings — 

Voted Upon the Petition of Simeon 
Stronjj Esqr and the Comtee Report that 
that part of the way within his garden 
Fence be Discontinued, and also one Rod 
in Breadth at the west Side of his Barn 
Yard ; tlience Running East so as to 
Come to the Breadth of two Rods at the 
Kings Highway Containing twenty Rods 
& that he pay therefor the Sum of thirteen 
shillings % 

Voted Upon the Petition of Wm Bolt- 
wood according to the Comtee report that 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



43 



tliere be Discontinued from the way Ad- 
joining to the Front of his Lot two Rods 
in Breadth from the South Side of his Lot 
Extending Northward to the North End 
of his Barn tiience to run to a point at the 
North Side of his Lot the Same Contain- 
ing sixty fore rods and that he pay there- 
for the Sum of tliirty Nine Shillings — 

Voted Upon the Petition of Joseph 
Eastman according to the CouitHe report 
that all the way be Discontinued within 
his Wall at the west End of his Lot Con- 
taining ten rods and tiiat he pay tiierefor 
five Siiillings 

Tlie Comtee further Reporte that they 
have lifard and Con^iderd ihe Petition of 
Divers other Persons for Discontinuing 
part of the Ways for tiieir Accommoiiation 
(viz) of Decn Simeon Chirk Dr Nathei 
Smith, Thomas Bascomh John Morton 
Abiier Lee, Benjimin R'lodes and are of 
opinion that they Cannot Repori in favor 
of ilieir Petitions Consistent with their 
Instructions from the town 

Voted that upon the application of 
Jonatiian Dickinson the way be Discon- 
tinued adjoining to ids lot South o( D m- 
iel Kelloggs Lot, as follows (viz) begin- 
ing at ibe South East Corner of the L.ind 
now Discontinued from Daniel Kellogg 
and thence running to a point southerly 
the Distance of ten Rods — and that In- 
pay therefor Seven shillings & SixPt-nce — 
(See Page 65 the Book for D. Kellogg.) 
Test JosiAH Chauncy Moderator 

N. B. see Page 9th Ledgr 2.1 for Con- 
tination &c 

The Following is a Record of the sur- 
veying of the Town Highways in Amherst 
April 27ih A D 17G0 Which is as follows 
(viz) 

Amherst April 27th : 17(J9 
Then Began to survey the town Roads 
in Sd Amherst in order to asset tain the 
Lines & boundaries thereof and find them 
as follows (viz) 3d Road— We began at a 
Large Red Oakc Tree which Stands at the 



South East Corner of Moses Smiths Lot, 
from thence we run North 11 degrees 
East 3G3 rods to ye North East Corner of 
Capt Moses C()ok,s Ditch then North : 9 
degrees East 100 rods to [Marshes?] South 
East Corner Ditch then North 9 degrees 
East 134 rods to Mashes North East 
Corner Ditch on the bank of which stands 
a Large wliite Oake Tree then North 7 
deg 30 min East 189 rods, to a white oak 
Tree stands on the South Bank of Fort 
River Near to the Bridg Mark,d H. W. 
then North 13 deg 30 min East to a stake 
and Stones the North East Corner of Levt 
Wil liam Boltwood's Lot from thence North 
16 (leg 30 min East 460 rods to a wliite 
oake Tree De,n Dickinsons South East 
Corner, then North 14 detr 30 min East t.. 
ye End of the Division N. B. we frequent- 
ly Measur.d across to the East Side of the 
Road setting up stakes and setting thereon 
the Letters H : W : 

2d Road We began at a Red oak Tree 
the South Side of Mill river by the side of 
the DugwHy on the North Side of the 
Hill from thence we run South 19 deg 30 
min west 123 rods to pine tree Mark H. 
W. then we turned at right angles and run 
westerly 10 rods to the middle of the road 
to a Cl'iesinut Tree Markt H. W. Standing 
in the Middle of Sd road against Mr. 
Eastinatis Stone wall, Setting up Stakes 
on Each Side of the road, then South 13 
deg 30 min west 115 rods to a ('hestnut 
Stump, thei-i Soath 42 Rods to a Large 
white Oake Stump, then South 10 deg 
west 92 rods to a Swamp white Oak Stump 
by a pond hole Standing by ye Fence oti 
ye trot.t of the Lot Lately ownd by Josiah 
Chauncy E-q, then South 16 deg 30 min 
west 34 rods to a Stake snd Stones in Sim- 
eon Strong E>q Lot, then South 36 deg 30 
min west 38 rods to a Stake in the Middle 
of the toad, Measuring off 10 rods Each 
way and Setting up a Stake, from ye Last 
mentioned Station in the middle of ye 
road, we run to the front of Isaac Goodales 
Lot to a Stake & Stones, near to the north 



44 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



East Corner of Sfl Lot from tlienee to 
Hartling Stake ye North East Corner of 
Mr Persdiis's Land, and from tlietioe to a 
Stake and Stones the North-East Corner 
of Mr Persons's original Lot, then south 
30 min E>^^t 33 Rods to Mr Persoi s's 
Hors.-blnck ye Same Course Continut'd 2 
rods further tn a S[t]iike & Sto les, fr..in 
tlipf.ce South 18 deg West 49 Rods to a 
Black Oake tree or Stump Miirk,d H. W. 
from thence to Eiishalngrahams Non-East 
Corni r Ditch from thenee to the Scuth- 
East Corner of Nathan Moody's original 
Lot, From thence South 4 deg 30 min 
west IGO rods to Large wliite ik S'unip 
standing on the Di'cending ground North 
of Mr Parkers Hous then 10 deg 30 min 
west 20 Rods to a Stake and Stones from 
thence S -uth 10 deg West 86 Rods to >x 
White Oak Tree Mark,d H. W. Standing 
on the Soutli Side of a Narrow, Valley, 
and from s,d White Oalc, South 9 deg 
West to apine reter,d to in the R ckord of 
S'd R.ad a Small White Oak Staddle 
Standing by it Mark'd 11. W. about 20 or 
25 r<,ds South of Mr Greens ILnis, then 
Sou 1) 15 (leg 30, west 76 rods to a Pin- 
Stump suppose! to lie r"fer,d to (liy a 
pine tree) in the record where we S t a 
White Oak Slake Mark,d H. W. Then 
South 27 deg 30 min west 63 rods where 
it Strikes the front of Levt John Dickin- 
sons Origiixil Farm Where we set a pine 
Stake Mark,d II. W. Standing in the Ditch 
ye East Side of the patli, & from thence 
South 15 deg 30 min West to the South 
East Corner of Sanmtl Cliurclies Lot 
where we came tu a Ditch in which we set 
a pine Stake Mark,d H. W. 

8th Road Leying Between Levt Dickin- 
son, s and Ebeni-zar Williams Land We 
began at the South East Corner of s'd 
Williams, s Lot from thence we Run West 
7 deg Nortli to the End of the Division 
Marking Several Trees In the Corse with 
the Letters H. W. & Measuring across 
S,d road frequently and setting up Stakes 

7th Road Leying Between Capt Moses 



Cook and Nath,ll Coleman we Began at 
S.d Colemans South-East Corner Jilid Run 
Southerly on the west line of the Streat 20 
Rods to a Black Oak Stump, from thence 
we run Westerly to the west End of the 
Divisi >n to tlie Stump of the pine Tree 
mentioned in the Original R-cord — N. B. 
the 20 rods first mentioned takes in about 
one third part of Edward Smiths House 

6th Road Leying between Den Clark, 
& Solr)mon Boltwood, we bpgan at a 
Stake about Six lods Nortli of said Clarks 
North-West Corner, from thence we Run 

9 deir 30 min North 100 : rods to a Stake 
SfandiniT in Den Clarks Inclosure on the 
side Hill West of his Rons, then East 29 
I'eg 30 min North 72 Rods within about 
one rod South of the South Door of Solomoti 
Boltwoods Easterraost FIous, from thence 
Eist9deg30min Nortli to the Kings Heigh- 
way which runs NortJierly to Sunderland the 
width of S,d road being often Measured 
and Stakes Set upon both sides IVIark,d 
H. W. 

5th Road Leys Between Jointhan Dick- 
inson & Moses Warner, beginning 3 Rods 
WestofS,d Warners North-west Corner 
& 2 1-2 North of S,d Corner Measured 
North 10 deg 30 min East 20 : rods to 
a Stake the width of the road, & from 
ihenoe it runs East 10 deg 30 min South 
139 rods to a. White O^k Staddle by s,d 
Dickinsons Fence Mark'd H. W. then 
East 16 deg 30 min S luth to ye East Street 
to a Stake Mark'd H : W • N : B : this 
Road is 16 roads wide at the East End, 
and the South Side of it as follows (viz) 
Begiiiiug at tlie End of the three rods 
mentioned first in this return & run East 
8 deg South 45 rods to a Stake ]VIark,d 
H:W then North 10 deg 30 min East 3 
rods to a Stake Mark,d H : W : then North 

10 deg 30 min East 4 rods to a Stake 
Mark,d H: W : then East 16 deg 30 min 
South untill it intersects the North Line 
of his Land & then to the North-East Con.- 
ner of his Land 

4th Road Lays Between Den Dickin- 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



45 



sou,s Land [and] Mr Townsends. We 
begHM at a heap of Stones tlie North- West 
Corner of S,d Townsends Lot which is a 
Little South of his North fence, & run 
East 15 deg 30 min South 12 rods to a 
heap of Stones tlien East 32 deg 30 inin 
North 16 rods to a Stake & Stones then 15 
deg 30 min South 44 1-2 rods, to a Stake 
& Stones then East 22 deg 30 min South 
50 rods to a Stake and Stones then East 13 
deg 30 min Soutli to a Large White Oak 
Stump witli a Stake Set in it Mark,d H : 
W: tlien East 16 deg 30 min Soutii to a 
Stake & Stones where it straikes the West 
Side of the East Street Number Three 
The Above Roads Survey, d 
Pr Ebenezar Chiles 
Tiie Road South of Mr Nathall Cole- 
mans Lot & ajoiiiing thereto we run the 
South Line the[re].)f Takning the Cours 
agreeable to tiie Record tliereof only al- 
lowing 30 mill whicii we found was tiie 
veariation between ye Compasses we found 
none of tlie trees or boundaries mentioned 
in ye record of Sd road Mr Coleiuan Being 
Desirous ye Conitee would go again upon 
tlie road being Determined he Could Shew 
them the Boundaries thereof the Comtee 
Consented and went upon ye Spot and 
setting ye Compass at ye Soutii E.ist Cor- 
ner of ye road Mr Coleman Shew us a 
Mark,d Tree, which was from said Corner 
west 3 deg Nortli. then we went to said Tree 
whicli Mr Coleman Siiew us and he went 
forward to a nother to which we took ye 
Cours which was west 5 deg North agrea- 
hle to ye reckord tlien we Continued ye 
Same Corse Sum way furtlier where we 
found a Large red Oik Tree Markt H : 
W : abot one rod and one third part of a 
rod Soutii of us, then we run the Same 
Corse to ye End of the road and Were 
Six paces North of a pine Markt H. : W : 
Ebenezar Chiles Surveyer 
The above is a True Coppey of the 
original 

Test Setii Coleman Clerk 



Seel Hampshire ss Amherst To the 
Constables of the District of Amherst or 
Either of them Greeting — 

In his Majesties Name you are required 
fortiiwith to Notifiy and warn all the In- 
heabitants of S'd District that are Legally 
Quallified to Vote in town Metings tliat 
ihey assemble together at the School hous 
near the Dwelling Hous of Moses Warner 
in said Amherst on Monday the first Day 
of January next at nine of the Clock in the 
Forenoon then and theire after Moderator 
Chosen to Consider of and act upon the 
follywiiig Matters (viz) 

1st To Make Grant of Monies to Such 
Persons to Whom the District is Indebted 
2d To graint Money to Defray the 
Charges of Schooling 

3d To Impower the Assessors to Make 
an Assessment on the Iiiiieabitan[ts] to 
rais the Monies Granted 

4ih To Make Grants of Such Lands to 
persons requesting the Same as Shall be 
thought proper 

Sly To Consider whether the District 
will Dispose of the way soutii of Nathll 
Colemans Lot & purchase a way further 
.south where it may better accommodate 
the Inbeabitants 

6ly To Consider whether the District 
will be at any Expence for repairing the 
new Road Leying Soutii of John Nashes 
Lot 

7iy To Choose an Agent to appear for 
the District at the Court of General Ses- 
sions of the Peace to answer to any Pre- 
sentment that may be lying against them 

Hereof tail not and Make due Retur[n] 
hereof with your Doings herein at or 
before the lime herein before Appointed 
for the Opening and holding Said Meeting 
to us or Sum one of us — Dated at Amherst 
aforesaid the thirteenth Day of December 
in the tenth year of his Majeslys Reign 
A. D. 1769— 

Simeon Strong "j 

Joseph Eastman >■ Select Men 

Moses Dickinson J 



46 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17i 



Return of the Constable Iniiors,cl thus 
Tile Directions of tliis Worrjint lias bin 
attended by me Simeon Pomeroy Con- 
stable 

Att a LefiHl Meting of the District ot 
Anilierst on Monday the first Day of Jan- 
uary 1770 at Nine of the Cb'Ck in the 
Morning at the Sciiool hou.> by the Hari- 
ling Stake after the Choice of Josiali 
Cliauncy Esq Moderator Came into the 
following Votes (viz) 

Voted To adjurne for the space of one 
hour and meet at this place the Iidieabit- 
ants being met at s,d time & place — 

Voted That the Bills as they have bin 
red and Considered Should be allow, d 

Voted that Simeon Strong E-q be an 
agent at the Court of general sessions of 
the Peace to answer to any Presentment 
that may [be] Leying against the Distrect 

Voted That the Several tracts of Land 
discontinued from ye town ways at the 
Request of Sundry Petitioners at the Last 
Meeting be granted to Each Petitioner re- 
spectively on Conditions of his paying or 
giving good Security to the Treasurer for 
the sum at which Said Tracts were re- 
spectively appraised as Appears by the 
Report of the Comtee in the Record of 
S,d Meting by the first Day of may Next 

Voted that Assessers raise twenty nine 
pound Six Shilling for Schooling the Pres- 
ent year 

Voted that the Assesers rais ninety three 
pound Six and Eaight pence for the Revd 
Mr Persons, 8 Sallery 

Voted that the Assesers be Impower,d 
to rais the Several Sums of money as they 
have bin Voted and that they be impower,d 
to pay the Same where they are due &c 

Voted thpt tlie Selectmen Inspect the 
Heighway adjoining south of Nath'll Cole- 
mans Lot and See for what it may be sold 
and also where they Can find the most 
advantagous place to accomodate the pub- 
lick with a rode Still farther South and 
how it Can be obtained andLayoutthe 



Heighway or omit it as they shall think 
best and mikereiurn to March Meting 

Hampshire ss Amherst To the Constable 
of the Said Distiict Oi Amherst or Either 
of them Greeting 

In his Mnjesties Name Yon are Com- 
manded To Notify and Warn the Inliabii- 
ants of Amhersi that are Legally qiialli- 
fyed to Vote in Town Meetings that as- 
sen\t)le together at the Meeting hous there 
on Monday the fifth Day ot March next at 
Nine o Clock in the Forenoon then and 
there (alter Moderator Chosen) lo Cnu- 
sider Delermin and act upon the Several 
Matters following 

(VIZ) 

1st To Choose oth.^ers for the Ensuing 

Year 

2dly To acce,iC and E-;tahlish Several 
Alterations made by the Select Men in the 
Town Ways (\iz) oi e agninsttlie East End 
ol Deacon Jonth Edwards, s Lot ; another 
against the Side of Gideon Dickinsons 
Lot &. Joseph Dickinsons Lot; another 
against the North Side of Joseph Churches 
Lot — 

3dly To accept of and Establish a Town 
Way Laid by the Select men Leading from 
the townway North of Eijah Bakers Lot 
to C[r]oss the Mill River near Clarevs 
Mill; and another way from said Clarys 
Mill to Meet w iih the same — and Also a 
Private way for the use of Pelatiah Smith 
Junr Laid from his Lot on the East Side 
of Fort River Southeriy to the Town Way 
and Bounding Westerly onSaidRiver 

4:thly To Determin Whether the ways 
shall be repaired b\ Poll or by Rate tiie 
ensewing Year — 

Stilly To Discontinue the town Way 
South of & adjoining to the Lot of Nathan- 
iel Colemans 

61y To grant all the Lands Contained in 
Said Way to Said Nathaniel Coleman ; and 
Impower a Comtee in behalf of the Dis- 
trict to Execute to Said Coleman and his 
Heirs a Dead thereof With Covenant for 
quiet Enjoyment 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



47 



Tilily To accept of a Deed from Said 
NatliHiiiel Coleman i)f a fiece of Land in 
Atntierst wliicli Said Coleman Lately 
bought of ElisliH C'lok wliicli was Laiely 
the South Side of Said Cooks Lot in the 
Middle Division beins; Ten Rods In Breadth 
& Running througli Said Division — 

8thly To Make a Grant or Leas [of] the 
Same or of the wood & Timber thereon 
Standing or being to Sucli Person, or 
Persons, and for Such Term of time, and 
On Such Conditions as Shall be thought 
proper 

9tlily To agree upon what Metliod may 
be ihought proper To preserve the B>)un- 
daries of tlie town Ways 

10!hi> To Hear the Report of tlie Com- 
tee heretofore appointed To E-^timaie tlie 
Damage done to Lent. William Boltwood 
by Laying a Way on the Nortii Side of 
his Li)t and act theron and Give him So 
Much Land as shall be Hiougl.t proper — 

llthly To appoint a Comtee to Layou 
and ascertain the Bonds of tlie Burying 
Yard 

12ilily To Discontinue So Much of the 
Town Way north of Landlord Moses War- 
ners L<it as shall be agreed on, and Grant 
the Same to Mr Jonatiinn Dickinson for a 
Recompence for Land Taken out of his 
Lot l)y tiie Kings Heighway 

IStidy To Release Nehemiaii Dickinson 
Constable from being accountable for the 
Rates of Joseph Gould & Noah Gould 

Hly To See if the District will be at any 
Expence to rt'pair the town Way South of 
John Nashes Lot — 

Hereof fail not and make true return of 
this Worrant with your Doings herein at 
or before the Time herein appoiiited for 
opeidng and holding said Mectinif lo us or 
sum one of us — D.ited at Andierst the 
Nintli Day of January in the tenth year of 
liis Migesty,s Rei^n A. D. 1770 

Simeon Strong ] 

JoNTH Dickinson ! o i \ m 
■KT r^ y Select Men 

Natiill Coleman | 

Moses Dickinson: J 



Return of the Constable Indoes,d thus 
(viz) The Directions of this Worrant has 
bin attended by Me Simeon Pomeroy a 
Constable Att a Legal Meting of the In- 
heabiiants of the District of Amlierst 
bolden at the Meting hous there on Mon- 
day the fifth Day of March A : D : 1770— 

Voted Simeon Strong E<q Moderator 

Voted Seth Coleman Clerk 

Voted Simeon Strong Esq Treasurer 

Voted Levt John Dickinson Solomon 
Boltwood Den Jonathan Edwards Josiaii 
Chauncy Esq and Gideon Dickinson Se- 
lect Men 

Voted Levt John Dickinson Den Jona- 
than Edwards Josiah Chauncy Esq Asses- 
ers 

Voted To Adjurn this Meeting for the 
Spaice of one hour and then to meet at 
the School Hous by the Hartling Stake 

After said Inheabifants were met on 
Adjurnment at said time and place 

Voted Nathan Dickinson Junr and 
David Smitli Constables 

Voted Joseph Church Hezekiah Belding 
Jonathan Moody Junr Timothy Green 
Moses Cook Surveyers of Heighways — 

Voted Joseph Church Oliver Cowles 
Noah Smith J<vel Billings Tiihinginen 

Voted Guleon Dickinson Moses Dick- 
inson Den Simeon Clark fence Vewers 

Voted Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 

Voted Jonathan Nash Junr John Field 
Jun'r Barnabas Edee Enos Dickinson Hog 
Reeves 

Voted Joel Moody Joseph Dickinson 
Dear Reeves 

Voted Joseph Church Surveyer ofLum- 
ber 

Voted E[b]enezar Dickinson Junr Ed- 
ward Sniith Smith Martain Smitli Joseph 
Williams Wardens 

Voted To accept of the R-port of the 
Select Men for the alteration of Several 
Town Ways (viz) at the west End of Den 
Jonathan Edwards. s Lot — one other Lay- 
ing south of Gi<ie()n Dickinsons Lot — An 
noiher in the way Leying South of Jona- 



48 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



tlian Cowls Lot — and also of a Privite 
way Laid South of Peletian Smiths Lot 
adjoining to forte river 

The Reporte of the Select Men for the 
Alteration of said ways is as follows (vis) 

Att the Annurtl Meeting of the Inlieab 
itants of Amherst holden thereon the fifth 
D^y of March A D 1770 The Select Men 
of said Amherst make Reporie to this 
Meeting of the following Alterations 
made in Town Ways which they Desire to 
be accepted and Establislied by the Dis- 
trict one alteration at the west End of of 
Den Jonathan Edwar<i8 the Select men 
finding it necessary in that place to make 
the Town Way Wider, to avoid the Sott 
and Miry Ground through which it was 
originally Laid; have accordingly made 
the following addition thereto on the East 
Side thereof (viz) Beginning at a St ike 
Mark,d Standing in a Hollow Stump at 
the South End of a Little Pond wliich is 
on the East Side of the Travilled Road 
against the Snid Edwards' Lot thence 
thence Running South Seven Degrees 
West '.'."enty two R 'ds to a Small White 
Oak Staddle East of the Path & against 
the Same Lot, thence South twenty three 
Deiirees West, running till it falls in with 
the Line of the town Way — One other 
Alteration in the way lying S>uth of Gid- 
eon Dickinsons Lot the the Said Select 
Men finding it Necessary to make an Ad- 
dition to the hredth of the Said Way to 
avoid the Miry Gutter between Said Dick- 
insons & M'r Towensends L it, have ac- 
cordingly made the following addiiion 
thereto (viz)-^ 

Beginning at a Small White Oak Stad- 
dle Markt with Stones about it on the 
Side Hill on the North Side of the Path 
and about twenty rods Westward of the 
West Side of said Gideon Dickinsons Lot, 
thence Running East ten Degrees North 
twenty three Rods to a Stump Standing 
North of & Close to the Path in the Mid- 
dle of the gutter thence East Seventeen 
Degrees South twenty Seven rods to a 



Stake marked with Stones about it on the 
Top of the Hill, thence East twenty five 
Degrees Soutii to the Line of the way — 
the Lands South of the above mentioned 
Lines, being now added to the Way & 
Said Lines f)r the future to be the North 
Side of the Way — 

Another Alteration, in the Way lying on 
the South Side of Jonathan Cowls Lot; 
the Said Select men have made an Addition 
to the Breadth of the Road at the Bridg,in 
the following Manner (viz) Begiiiing at a 
Heep of Stones one R pd & Half .South of a 
Great white Oak Tree Mark,d Standing 
three or four rods E^st of the Bridge thence 
running west ten Degrees South to the 
Line of the way, & from Said Heep of 
Stones East thirty Seven Degrees North 
to fall in with the Line of the Way — the 
before described Line for tiie future to be 
the South Side of the Way at Said 
Place— 

And the Said Select Men further re- 
porte of a private Way Laid out by them 
on the 29. h Day of January Laist at the 
Reque-t of Peletiah Smith Ju.'nr on the 
East Side of Fort l^iver near said Smiths 
Dwelling Hous in order to accommodate 
him for traveling trom his Lot thence to 
the town way; Which Private way is de- 
scribed and bounded as follows (viz) It 
Begins at the south side of Said Peletiah 
Smiths Lot and on the East Side of Fort 
River and thence running Southerly to the 
town way, The River being the bounds on 
Said Private way on the Westerly Side, 
ami heing bounded & Limited on the Last- 
ly Side by a black Oak Staddle near the 
South Side of Said Smitlis Lot & three 
Stakes Southerly of Said Tree Erected hy 
us, the Line described by Said I'ree and 
Stakes being the Easterly Line of said 
way which is about Eaiuht Rods in Breadth, 
and Laid so Wide on account of the uneven 
Ground next to the River; and Becaus 
the said private Way is only for tlie use 
& Benefit of Said Smith, and not of Puh- 
lick use to the District we further R-port 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to lit 



49 



tliat Siiid Ppletiali Smith ouglit to pay to 
AiironMiittliews for his Damage occasioned 
thereby the sum of twenty four shillings — 

Simeon Strong "] 

Jonathan DickiNsoN 1 g^,^^^ j^^^ 

Nath ll Coleman 

Moses Dickinson J 

Voted To Accept of a Townway Laid 
from the town way North ot Elijah Baknrs 
Lot to Cross the Mill river near Clary. s 
Mill and another way from Snid Clarys 
Mill to Meet with tiie same — 

The Report of the Select men for Lay- 
ing of said way is as follows (viz) At the 
Annual Meeiinii of the Inheahitants of 
Amherst March ye fifth A. D. 1770 

The Select Men of Amherst pnrsiiant to 
the repnrte of the Com'tee Lately «ppoi(U- 
ed by the District have Laid out the Ways 
hereafter described for the u>e of the In- 
lieHbitants of Andierst (vizj Beginning at 
ihe town Way North ot E i.iah BaUers 
Lot, and at a pine Tree Mark,d (which is 
in the Middle of ye same way Laid out l)y 
us) thence running North tliirty Eaight 
Degrees and thirty Minutes west, forty 
two rods ; thence North thirty d<grees west 
ten rods, thence North thirty Seven De- 
grees West Sixteen rods; thence west 
Seven Degrees Nortli twenty rods; tiience 
South thirty Eaight Degrees West Seven 
Rods ; thence North forty three Degrees 
West Six rods; thence West Eaightteen 
Degrees North thirteen Rods; thence 
North' twenty Eaight Degrees & thirty 
Minutes East to Cross the Mill River — 
the Same Way being two rods in Breadth 
— the said Select men have also L^iid a 
rode of the Same Breadth from the Mill 
Called Clarys Mill, to Meet with the afore- 
said Way (viz) 

Beginning at a Place twenty Feet South 
of the Easterly End of said Mill; tlience 
running South thirty Eaifjht Degres West 
to the way herein before described — 

Which way So Laid out the Said Select 
men now Return and Reporte to tliis Meet- 
ing that they may be accepted, and allow- 



ed by the District and Committed to Re- 
cord according to Law 

Simeon Strong ] 

Jon'th Dickinson ^^ , , n,, 

TVT ■ /-. r Select Men 

Nath ll C oleman 

Moses Dicivinson J 

Voted To Repare the Heigh Ways this 
year by a Tax 

Voted to Discontinue 'ill that Town way 
Soutli of Nath'U Coleinans 

Voted To Grant all the Lands Contained 
in said Way to said Nathanel Coleman, 
and Impower a Com'iee in behalf of the 
Di>trict to Execute to said Coleman and 
Heirs a Deed thereof, with Covenant for 
quiet Enjoyment 

Voted Simeon Strong Esq Ins John 
Field Jonathan Dickinson be a Com'tee 
for the purpus aforesaid — 

On Nathaniel C'olemaiis affering to this 
meeting a deed of Conveyance ot a Piece 
of Land in this District which Said Cole- 
man lately Bought of Elisha Cook, Wliich 
was Lately the South Side of Said Cooks, 
Lot in the iVlidle Division being ten Rods 
in Breadth and running through said Di- 
vision 

Voted To accept the Same and Receive 
the Estate thereby Granted accordingly 

Voted To Lease the Same Land So pur- 
ched To Ahner Lee for the Term of Eight 
Years and Grant him the wood and Timber 
thereon 

Voted To Chose a Comtee to Visit the 
boundaries of the town amd renew such as 
Destroyed and make them Notorious 

Voted That Moses Dickinson Elijah 
Baker John Nash Ju'nr be a Com'tee for 
the Purpus aforesaid 

Voted To Chose a Comtee to Inspect 
the Town Way North of Moses Warners 
& say howmuch Land and in what form 
shall be assoined to Jonathan Dickinson 
as a Recumppence for the County rods 
going acros his Lot & make return to the 
next meting 

Voted Ins John Field Solomon BoltWood 
Thomas Hastings a Com'tee for the Pur- 
pus above 



50 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Voted to Chose a Comtee To say and 
Determine how niucli Land and in What 
Form shall be allow, d to William Bolt- 
wood at the west End of his Lot as a Kec- 
ompenoe for Laying a town Way on the 
North Lide of his Lot and make return to 
tlje Next Meeting 

Voted That Josiah Chauncy Esq Moses 
Dickinson Elijah Baker be a Com'tee for 
the Purpus afore said 

Voted That the Select Men be a Com'tee 
to Lay out and prefix sufficient bounda- 
ries to tiie Buring Yard and Make Reporte 
to tiie Next Meeting 

Voted That Nehemiah Dickinson be re- 
leas, d from being accomtable for the Rates 
of Joseph Gould and Noah Gould 

Voted to Do sunitliing to tlie town 
Heigliway between John Nash Jun'rs and 
William Boltwoods Lot 

Voted To Do Ten Days Worke to the 
way above mentioned 

Voted To begin a Granier School at the 
first of Miiy next and the same to continue 
through tlie year 

Voted To Discontinue asertain Piece of 
townway Nortli of Josepli Churchs Hous 
being as follows (viz) one rod north of 
his Hous four Rods wide runing Nortlierly 
twenty five rods and then fall in with tlie 
Line of the Lots and grant the same to 
said Churcii 

Voted That Hogs Shall Run from the 
midle of May to to the First of August — 
Attest Simeon Strong Moderator 

For tiie Remaining Records See Vol- 
ume2'd &c [On the last leaves of this first 
book occur the following miscellaneous 
entries] 

Nov 7 1762 Taken up & Strayed by 
Ephrain Kellogg of Amherst a Sorrel mare 
about twelve Years old without any Mark 
or Brand & I apointed Ebez'r Dickinson 
Jun'r & Joseph Dickinson to aprise sd 
Mair & they aprised her at two Pound Law- 
tuU money 



by us John Nash Nath'U Siniih Nath'll 
Dickinson Ass'rs for this precinct to pro- 
cure fire wood for the Rev'd M'r Parsons 
and his Sallary : and other Cliarges as 
follows 

Commited to M'r Sam'll Ingram a tax 
to Collect 333 13 11 

Also to M'r Jonathiin Edwards 

a tax of 264 17 09 



598 11 8 
the Debts Commited to tlie 
Tresurar to pay out 576 02 



In the Yeare 1758 Thare was a tax made 



August 21 1759 

taken Up In Damiadge feasant And 
Straid By Epliraim Kellogg & Mosses 
Warner a Roan Mair about three years 
old With a Blase in her tace & a Nattural 
Pacer Without mark or Brand 



A Record of the proceeding In y'e tax 
of two pence p'r a3or Granted by the Gen- 
eral Coart 

Pursuent to tlie Order of this Precinct 
the Assesors proceeded to Expose to Sale 
so Much of the Land* of the Nonresident 
propriators (who had been Delinciiient in 
paying the tax Assesed upon thare Lands 
by vertu of the Grant of the Grtite and 
General Court to this Precinct to enable 
them to settel a Gospel Minister and) as 
was Judged would be Sufficient to Detray 
and pay up the Remaining part of the 
Assesnient yet Du 

Accordingly y'e Rate of Shuch Delin- 
quentPropriators Land was posted Publick- 
ly at Springfeild at the House of M'r Woi- 
thontons & In Hadley 3d Preceinct att the 
House of M'r Kellogg & att Each publick 
House the 29th Day of August 1739 : 

After which on the first Day of March 
1739 40 Notifications of the Sale of y'e 
Delinquent Propriators Lands was Pub- 
lickly posted att y'e Aforesd Places In 
Springfeild first Parish att y'e House of 
M'r Worthoiiton & In Hadley 3d Precinct 
att y'e House of M'r Kellogg Seting forth 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



51 



ye Quantety of Lands or Number of Acors 
Exposed to sale of Exeli Delinquent Pro- 
prietors Lots : Allso setins foriii y'e time 
or D <y appointed tor the Sale of Sliucli 
Lands l)y Publick Vandue whicli is to be 
on the first Munday of June 1740 

On the tiiird Day of Jiuew'r 1739 40 
Notifications of the Intended Sile of y'e 
Delinquent propriators Lands ware Insert- 
ed or Advertised In y'e Publick prints for 
tliree several weeks Sncsesively 

On tile first Mnnday in June 1740 a Lit 
of Land belonging to the Heirs of Coional 
Smn'll Brown Decent Containing ahoui 
foure Hundrecl& twelve Acors Lying about 
ye Miiidel ot the third Devesion of Lanis 
so Called In Hadley third Preceinct— and 
was formerly Lai<l out to the Porters •• was 
Publickly Sold at a Publick Vandue : to 
the Highest Bidder : f )r one Hundred & 
forty seven pounds Bills of the ohl Ten- 
nor : the Remainder of which Money : 
after his Kate of Assesment : as also the 
Incident Charges ware paide was Loml In 
the Precinct Tresury : Cthnt is thirty 
pounds nineteen shillings and two pence) 
with order to y'e Tresurar John Cowls to 
pay the same to the Heirs of Colenal Sain'U 
Brown when & as soon as Demanded 

[Second Book.] 
Hampshire ss. May y'e 7ih 1770 — 

To the Constables of the Destrict of 
Amherst or Either of thetn Greeting. 

In his maje8>tys Name you are Requir,d 
forthwith To w«rn all the Freeholders & 
other Inheabitants of the Distrect of Am- 
herst Qualified to Vote in town ami Dis- 
trict Meetinjis that theary Conve«n & meet 
to Gether at the Meeting Hous in 8,d Di§- 
trect on thirsday the twenty fourth Day of 
May Currant at four of Clock in the after 
noon, then and there after a Moderator 
Chosen, 

1st To know the minds of the Distrect 
whether they will accept of the List of 
Jurors the Select men have Drawn up 

2d Whether the Distrect Will accept 



of the Reporte of the Select Men Respect- 
ing the bounds of the Burying Yard 

3d Wheather the Distrect think it nec- 
essary for the Select men T> Lay a high- 
way from Hoddens in the East Street 
Northerly to John Adams Corn Mill — and 
Make Return of this Warrant with your 
Doings therein to one of us before s,d 
Meeting 

JosiAH Chancy T 

John Dickinson {-Select Men 

Solomon BoltwoodJ 

Return of the Constable indors. thus 
(viz) 

The Directions of this Worrant has bin 
attended by me 

David Smith Constable 
the Directions of Worrant have bin 
answer, d by me 

Nathen Dickinson Jn'r Constable 
for Amherst 

May : 24 : 1770 

Att a Legal Meeting of Distrect of Am- 
herst hohlen at the Meeting hous on 
Thirsday the twenty forth day of May 
1770 fore of the Clock in y'e afternoon, 
Come into the following Votes (Viz) 

Voted Simeon Strong Esq Moderator 

Voted To Accept of the List of Jurers 
as they have bin Red 

Voted To Accept of the Report of the 
Select Men Respecting the bounds of the 
burying yard wbo is as follows (Viz) 

We the Select Men of the Distrect of 
Amherst according to the Vote of the 
town have setup the bounds of the Bury- 
ing Yard According to our best Judgment 
& is as follows (Viz) 

Beginning at a Siake and Stones two 
Rods Ewsterly of Docter Coleman, s North 
East Corner of his Ketching thence East- 
erly Nineteen Roods to a Slake and Stones 
thence Northerly twenty two Rods to a 
Strtke and Stones tlienc? Westerly four 
Roods to a St;ike and Stons thence South- 
westerly Eaighteen Rods & one half to 
Stake and Stones thence Southerly Eleven 



52 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Rods & one half to the first Mentioned 
Corner 

JosiAH Ohauncy ^ 

John Dickinson | 

Gideon Dickinson }■ Select Men 

Jon'th Edwards | 

Sol'n Boltwood J 

Voted that the Select Men Lav a Ileigh- 
way in the E*st Street from Hoddings or 
Eastmans Lot to Shuteshury Kode and 
make Reporte to March Meeting 

Test 

August 21 1770 

Att A Legall Meeting of the Distrect of 
Amherst on tuesday y'e 21d of August 
1770 at 5 of tlie Oh)ck in ye afternoon, 
after tlie Clioice of Simeon Strong Esq 
Modeialor Voted as Follows (Viz) 

Voied to Come Into sum Measures for 
Regulating or Eaising of the burden of a 
Roade requested and About to be Laid 
tiirough the third Division of Lots in 
Amherst 

Voted To Ciiews a Cora'tee To Inspect 
and See if tiieir Cant lie a way found fo[r] 
a rode through tlie third Division ot Lots 
as Good for the Publick with Les Damage 
to tlie Privite then tiie Way Now Ropos,d 
through John Billings Lot in Its triangu- 
lar Point 

Voted that Ins John Field Moses Dick- 
inson and Gideon Dickinson Be a Com 
tee for the Purpns aforesaid, and tiiat in 
Case tiiey Can find such a place for a Rode 
as is Mention, d at)ove tliat tiiey reporte to 
some one who Siiall [he] Chosen to act 
at Court in behalf of tlie Distrect 

Voted tliat Simeon Strong E^q. be an 
Agent at Court tor the Distrect Incase a 
Com'tee be Cliosen to Lay out S'd way 
that if Posiable tlie S'd Com'tee may have 
their orders Left in Sum measure at 
Large and Not Confined to one Perticular 
Place 

Test. 

January 14tli 1771 

Att A Legal Meeting of the Distrect of 
Amherst on Monday y'e 14th of Janary 



A D 1771 at the Midle School-House in 
the first Division at Nine of the Clock in 
the morning Voted as follows (Viz) 

Voted Josiali Chauncy Esq Moderator 

Voted to Adjurn this Meeting for the 
Space of one Hour & then meet at tliis 
Place. 

Voted to Allow two shillings Per Day 
for summer worke. 

Voted to Allow one Shilling and Six 
pence for fall Worke 

Voted To Allow the hills as they bin 
Red and Consider, li and that the Assesers 
Leavey a tax for raising the Same 

Voted To allow the Re'vd M'r Parsons 
ninety three pound Six shillings and 
Eaight Pence & that the Assesers Leavey 
a );ix for raysing the S.ime. 

Voted to rais thirtey Pouml for school 
and that the Assesers Leavey a tax for 
Eaising tl'.e Same 

Voted to Bui'.d a Bridge over the mill 
River near Clareys mill So Call,d 

Voted to Chews a Cointee to Settle with 
De'n Ebenezer Di(;kinson a former Tres- 
urer Respecting a Sum of Money Lodg,d 
in his hands whic'i is the Eqiiivolent or 
Reward of a sartin Tract of Land former- 
ly Call,d the Equivolent Land 

Voted that Josiah Chauncy E^q Simeon 
Strong Esq and John Billings be a Com'tee 
for rhe Purpus shove 

Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 

(Seal) Hampshire ss. To the Consta- 
bles of the Distrect of Amherst or Either 
of them Greeting In his Majessfys Name 
you are R^quir'd to Worn all the free- 
liolders and otiier Iidieabitants that are 
Qualified Acording to Law to Vote in 
Town & Ditrect Meetinsjs that they Con- 
vene and meet Together at the Middle 
School hous in the first Sireet in Amherst 
on Monday the twenty first Day of Jan- 
uary Currant at two of the Clock in the 
after Noon to Consider and Act upon the 
following Articles 

1st Wheather the Distrect will set up 
another School 



Records op Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



53 



- Select Men 



2d Whether tlie Distrect Discontinue 
and Sell any Part of tlie Heigliway in tliis 
Distrect 

3d Wlieatlier the Distrect will Seat 
the Meeting hous or Make any alteration 
— and Miike Due Return of tiiis Worrant 
with your Doing therein to some one or 
more of us the suhscribers before S'd 
Meeting. Given under our hand and 
Seals this Seventeenth Day of Janunry 
1771 

JOSIAH ChAUNCY 

Jonathan Edwards 
Sol'n Boltwood 
Gideon Dickinson j 

Return .if the Constables Iiidors thus 

(viz) — the Directions of this warrant haih 

bin attended by us 

Nathan Dickinson Jn'rl ^ , , , 
,^ c< >■ Constables 

David Smith j 

January 21it 1771 

Alt a Legal Merting of tiie Di.strect of 
Amherst bolden at the School hous near 
Harllins Stake on Monday y'e twenty 
first of January A D 1771 Voted as fdlows 
(viz) 

Voted Josiah Chauncy Esq Modera- 
tor 

Voted that the Select Men Set up a new 
school at tlie north End of the Distrect the 
Space of Six weeks in addition to the 
present school 

Voted to make sum alterations in seet- 
ing of the Meetinjf hous — 

Voted that Lmi. John Dickinson De'n 
Jonathan Edwards, Ins. John Field Josiaii 
Cliauncy E>q and Moses Dickinson be a 
Com'tee for tiie Purpus above 

Voted that the Above Com'tee be regu- 
lated by tiie List to be taken for the Pres- 
ent year to Gether with Kage E-tate and 
Qualifications 

Test. Josiaii CiiMuncy Moderator 
Andierst Distrect Meeting Jan'ry 21st 1771 

Voted that there be Granted, to Lieut. 
William Boltwood and John Nash Jur. all 
the Land between tiie after Mentioned 
Line and the Lots in wliicii they Dwell 



that is to say Eacli of tiiem to have that 
which lies against his own Lot that is to 
say. Beginning at a Stake and Stones at 
the Northwest Corner of the Said John 
Naslies Lot on Wliich lie Dwells as tbe \ 
Same ax now Inclos,d thence Running ^ 
Souiherly to White Oake Tree about three 
Rods South Said Nasbes Barn llience run- 
ning to a Stake and Stons Near the South- 
west Corner Said Nasli,« Lot thence Still 
Soutlierly to a Stake and Stones at the 
W)rthwest Corner of Said William Bolt- 
woods Lot Crossing the townway two rods 
wide hence to a Stake and Stones about 
two rods & half westerly of said B dtwoods 
Birn; tlie said Grant to Said Boltwood 
being 111 Recoiiipese of the Damage done 
by Laying the town Way on y'e north 
side of his La; and the Grant to Said 
Nash being on Condition of his paying or 
securing to ibe District 'i'reasurer the sum 
ot thirty two shillihgs within this Month 
of January 

Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 

N. B. See Page 9 for J. Nashs land 

(Seal) Hunpshire ss. To the Cons- 
tables of tbe Destrict of Amherst tir Either 
of iheiii Gieeting in his Majestys Name 
you are required forthwith to Warn all 
the Freeholders and other Inbeabitaiits of 
tbe Destrict of Amherst Qualified to Vote 
in town or District meeting tliat they Con- 
vene and meet togeiher at the School Hous 
in tbe first Street in Amherst Near Pel- 
ham Road Tuesday tbe fifth Day of March 
Next at Nine of the Clock in the inorning 
then and there after a Moderator Chosen 
to See if the Destrict will Vote the follow- 
ing articles 

1st To Chuse Destrict officers Ensuing 
Year 

2d Wheather the Destrect will Con- 
sider & Determine Respecting such Con- 
ditional Grants as Have here to fore bin 
Made by the Destrict whether the Condi- 
tions are fuUfilled or not and to Conform 
the Grants lo the Grantees respectively 



54 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17f 



and make them Absolute Wliere the Grants 
appear to have been fulfilled. 

3d Wliether tlie Destrict will Discon- 
tinue any Part of the highway in said Des- 
trict and sell the Same iu any Veary spec- 
ial Case or Cases — & further more to see 
if the Destrict will accept of the return of 
the Select men of a town road Laid out 
from the North End of the Second Street 
up Near to G'ulds mill So Call.d 

4tli To Deterinin whot what method to 
repare the Heighways the Ensuing Year 

5tli Wheather the Distrect will Let 
Hodgs run at Large any Part of the Year 
Ensuing if they are rung & Yoaked accord- 
ing to Law 

6th To see whether the Destrict will 
accept of the report of the Com'tee Chosen 
to Seet the Meeting Hons 

7ih Wheath'-r the Destrict will Vote 
that Every Person Seated Sliall Take their 
Seats where they are Seate.l & id be Es 
teemed Disorderly if no. & l)e Liable to 
such a fine as the Court Judge Proper — & 
malce Due Eeturn of this Warrant with 
your Doings therein to sum one of us be- 
fore s,d meeting — Given under our hands 
& Seal this IStli Day of February 1771 & 
in the Eleventh year of his Majestys 
Reign 

JosiAH Chadncy ] 

John Dickinson | 

Sol'n Boltwood }■ Select Men 

Gideon Dickinson | 

Jonathan Edwards J 

Return of the Constables Indors this 
(viz) the Directons of this Warrant hath 
Itin attended by me Nathan Dickinson 
Jnr Constable 

March 5ih 1771 

Alt a Legal Meeting of the Inheabitants 
of the District of Atnlierst liolden at the 
School Hous. Near the hartling Stake on 
Tusday ye 5th Day of March A D 1771 at 
Nine of the Clock in y'e Morning and 
Voted as Follows, (viz) 

Voted Josiah Chauncy. Esq. Modera- 
tor 



Voted. Setli Coleman Clerk 
Voted. Simeon Strong Esq. Treasurer. 
Voted. Smieon Strong E«q. Ins. John 
Field. Mose-i Dickinson Alexan'd Smith 
an I IVter Smith Select men 

Voted, to adjurn this Meeting for the 

Spac • of one hour and then to meet at the 

Scliool hous at or Near the Hartling Stake 

Voted. Peter Smith I's Jolm Field. 

Alexan'd Smith Assesers. 

Voted. Jonathan Dickinson Jn'r Pliilup 
luiiram Constables. 

Voted. Simeon Dickinson De'n Simeon 
Clark. Asael Moody Nath'll Dickinson 
E ijah Baker Surveyers of Heighways. 

Voted John Nash Ju'r Gideon Hander- 
son Jonaihan Moody Jn'r Tithing Men 

V lied Natli'll Coleman Jonaihan Cowls 
fens Vewers 

Voted John Hcddens. Oiver Cowles 
Gideon Lee Joel. Billings. Lemuel Myody 
Hogreeves. 

Voted Moses Cook John Nash Ju'r Joel 
Moody Joseph Eastman Ju'r Deer Reeves. 
Voted Jonathan Smith David Blodgit 
Robert Emmons Wardens. 

Voted Isaac Goodale Sealer of Leather 
Voted that the former Com'tee Chosen 
to Survey the Heighway heretofore go 
again onto the Line between De'n S. 
Clarks Lot and the Heighway adjoining to 
more Critically assertain if Posiable the 
Line between s,d Simeon Clarks Lot and 
Heighway adjoining 

Voted that liie Com'tee Chosen hereto- 
fore to Survey the town Heighway go on- 
to the Line at the front of Hezekiah Beld- 
iiigs Lot and Say how mucii Land if any 
Shall be Sold to S,d Belding to accommo- 
date him around his barn, shop & well, 
and in what form & for how much 'he 
shall have the Same & make return to the 
Next Meeting 

Voted to Chens a Com'tee to Vew the 
Heighway at the East End of Id's John 
Fields & Moses Cooks Lot and Say how 
nmch Land if any Shall be Sold To Sam- 



Keicords of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



55 



uel Gould in what form and for wliat Sum 
and make return to the Next meting 

Voted Si>h)ni()ii Boltwood John Nash 
Jn'r Daniel Kellogg be a Com'tee for the 
Purpus above 

Voted to repare the Heighway this year 

by a tax 

Voted that hogs Shall run from ye 20th 

of May To 20th of August ring,d and 
yok.d according to Law 

Voted to adjourn to the meeting hous 
Voted to accept of tlie Com'tee report 
in the regulation of the Seats in the Meet- 
ing hous 

Test Josiah Chauiicy Moderator 
A Highway Laid out by us the Sub- 
scribers in Amiierst May y'e 30th 1770 as 
follows (viz^ We began at a Large Red 
Oak Stump Supposed to be the North 
East Corner of Joseph Eastmans Lot y'e 
body of the Tree being on the ground 
being Mark,d H. W. from thence we Ran 
on the west Side of S,d highway north 14 
deg 30 mill East 6o rods tts which Place 
the Heighway is Laid 12 rods wide oppo- 
site to which Stands a Stake & Stones on 
ye East Side y'e Steak Mark,d H. W. 
then the Heighway Runs on the East Side 
North 36 deg East 9 1-2 rods to a heap of 
Stones and a Stake Markt H. W. then 
North 11 deg East 17 rods to a heap of 
Stones and a Stake markt H. VV. about 
14 or 15 rods to the South of Hoddens 
Hous where the road is 13. rods & 6. Links 
wide then we Went to the West Side of 
S,d Heighway to where we Ended the 60 
rods first Mentioned & Continued the 
Cours North 14 deg 30 min East 12 rods 
to a pine Stake Mark,il H. W. theji we 
went to the Laist mention, d Station on ye 
East Side & ran North 9 deg 30 min West 
46 rods to a heap of Stones & Stake 
Mark,d H. W. than we went to the Laist 
mention, d Station on y'e West Side (viz) 
a Pine Stake & ran North 12 deg West 42 
rods to a Large White Oak Stump Mark, d 
H. W. from whence forward the highway 
is Laid 2 rods wide from said White Oak 



Stump it run West 31 deg North 11 rods 
to a heap of Stcmes & a Stake mark,d H. 
W. then west 34 deg Nortii 28 rods to a 
Pine Stadle niark.d H. W. then North 38 
deg West 45 rods to a pine Stadle marked 
H W. then North 27 deg West 5 rods to 
a Pine Stadle Mark,d H. W. then North 
43 deg west 7 1-2 rods to a Pine Stadel 
mark,d H. W. then North 32 deg West 3 
rods to a pine Stadle Mark,d H. W. then 
Nortli 45 deg West 31 rods to a Small 
Pine Stadle Mark.d H, W. then Nortli 36 
deg West 9 rods to a Pine Stadel Mark,d 
H. W. then Nortli 25 deg West 26 rods to 
a Small Wiiite Oak Stadel Mark,d H. W. 
then North 14 deg West 12 rods to a Small 
Wir.te Burcii Stadel Mark.d H. W. then 
Nortii 1 deg West 54 rods to a Walnut 
Stadel in a run of water Mark.d H. W. 
then North 16 deg west 39 rods t(t a White 
Oak Stadel Mark.d H. W. then Continued 
the Same cours 46 rods further to the 
County Road 

Survey, d By Eben'r Childs. 
Damages as Estimted by the suscribers 
To Ebenezer Williams £0 5 

To Joseph Eastman 6 6 

To Elijah Baker 10 

To Noah Smith 10 

Josiah Chauncy ^ 
Gideon Dickinson I Select Men 
Jon'th Edwards J 
The Above lleporte of the Select Men is 
Voted 

Test Josiah Chauncy Moderator 
Voted tiiat Daniel Kellogg Natlian Dick- 
inson Gideon Dickinson Moses Warner 
John Billings Josiah Moody Eli Parker 
James Meri'-k Timothey Green Aaron 
Warner Lemuel Moody Simeon Strong 
Joseph Eastman & Jonathan Dickinson 
have fullfill,d the Conditions of their Re- 
spective Grants made to them at the Dis- 
trict Meeting Janu'y Ist 1770 of Land that 
were before Part of the townway and that 
the Said Grants be & hereby are made 
absolute to them respectively and their 
Heirs forever — 



56 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Voted that Ji)hn Niish Jn'r has fulfilled 
the Coiidiuoii oi the Grant of Land made 
to him rtt tiie last Jaunary Meeting and 
tliat lie hold tlie Same Land in Fee 

.Voted that Sim ■on Sirnnij ji^s fulfilled 
the Condition of the Grant made to him of 
that Piece of L md wiiich Lies Uftw-^en 
Peiham Road & the Burying yard & that 
the Same Land be & hereby is Confirmed 
to him & his Heirs 

Voted that Preseved Clnp lias fulfilled 
the Condition of the Grant Made to liim of 
Land on the South Side (if Simeon Dick- 
insons Lot & that tile Same be & hereby is 
Confermed to him and his Heirs 

Test JosiAii Chauncy Moderator 
April 22. 177L 

Alt A Letjal Meeting of the Dislr. ct of 

Amheist at the Meeting House on Monday 
y'e twenty Seuond Day of April A D 1771 
at two of the Clock in y'e afternoon, and 
Voted as tollows (viz) 

Voted Moses Dickin>on Moderator 

VoLed to accept of the List of Jurers as 
they have been red 

Voted to Clmse a Com'tee to agree with 
Eben^zar Williams respecting a Bit of his 
Lot North of his hous wanted tor a rode 
and make a reporte to sum futer meeting 

Voted Peter Smith Moses Dickinson 
and Nath'U Coleman a Com'tee for the 
purpus above 

Voted To accept of the Report of the 
Com'tee Chosen to Settle with De'n Et)en- 
ezer Dickinson &c 

Test Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Seal Hampshire ss. Amherst To the 
Constab[l]e8 of the Destrict of Amherst 
or Either of them Greeting — 

Y>u are hereby required in his Majestys 
Name to Notify the Inheabitants of Said 
District Qualified by Law to Vote in Town 
affairs that tliey Meet together at the Meet- 
ing Hons in Said District on Wednesday 
the fifth Day of June Next at two ol the 
Clock afternoon, then and there after 
Moderator Chosen to Do & transact the 
following things (viz) 



1st To Hear tlie Petition of Landlord 
Moses Warner for discontinuing that Part 
of the town way lying on the North Side 
of his Lot which he has incl()s,d within 
his Fence or Such part thereof as Shall 
be Necessary to make up the Breadth of 
his Lot; or otherwise to make him a grant 
of Land in some other Part of the Said 
way sufficient to Make up the Land that is 
wanting in his said Lot 

2d To Hear the Reporte of the Com'tee 
heretofore Chosen to Consider what Land 
should be granted To Jonathan Dickinson 
in said way as a Keeompence for his Land 
taken up in the Kings Heigliway artd grant 
so much Land t') saiil Dickinson as shall 
be thought proper & to Discontinue such 
part of said way as shall be granted to 
him 

3d To hear the Request of Jidin Mor- 
ton for Discontinuing a part of the town- 
way which lie has Inclos,d & sel to him so 
much of said Lfind as shall be thought 
pr.'per 

4iy To Determine Wheather the Dis- 
trict will allow Aimer Lee to keep up his 
Fence about his Field in the town way 
and on VViiat Condition and for what time 

oly To Determine wheather the Dis- 
trict will allow De'n Simeon Clark to 
Keep up his fence round Ins Crop Sowed 
in the town way Eist of his hous & tor 
what lime & for what Consideration 

Hereof fail not and make due Return of 
this Worrant & your Doings hereiii at or 
before the time of holding said Meeting. 
Dated at amherst the 31st Day of May Ano 
dotnini 1771 

SiMKON Strong "] 

Peter Smith I o i ^ in 

iM ,, ^ - Select Men 

Moses Dickinson | 

Alex'd Smith J 

Return of the Constables Indors. thus 
(viz) 

The Directions of this Worrant hath 
bin attended by us 

Jonathan Dickinson Jn'r 
PiiiLUP Ingram : Constables 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



07 



June 5tli A D 1771 

Att a Legal meeting of tlie Distivct of 
Ainlierst liolden at tlie Meetiny: Hous on 
Weilnesday y'e 5tli June 1771 at two of 
y'e Clock in y'e after noon Voted as fol- 
lows (viz) 

Voted Josiah Cliauncy Esq. Modrator 

Votfd to Cliuse a Coin'tee to survey 
Lau'd Moses Warners Lot and see how 
much land the town has taicen of his Lot 
for a liighway on tde Nortli side and De- 
termin how mneli Land sliall be ascined 
to Moses Warner where and in what form 

Also to affix boundarys to h bit of Land 
formerly ascined toJonatiian Dickinson as 
a Rr-compence for the Land taken from 
him for a Heighway and the survey of 
the same &c 

Voted That Simeon Strong Esq Moses 
Dickinson Josiah Chauncy E-q be aConi'- 
tee for tilt* Pnrpus above 

Voted that the same Com'tee be direct 
ed on the Petition of John Morton to Vt-w 
the town way near Jolin Mortons House & 
se what Land is nicessary for the town to 
allow him to hold there & make Reporte 
to the Meeting 

Voted that the said Com'tee do not Pro- 
ceed to prosecute Aaron Lee for Incum- 
bring the way till the further order of the 
town 

Voted that a Com'tee be Chose to De- 
termin what rent De'n Clark give to the 
Town for his Land in y'e town way East 
of his Hous 

Voted that Isaac Goodale Moses Cook 
and John Nash Jr be a Com'tee for that 
Purpose. 

Voted that this Meeting be adjiirned to 
the Monday after next at ftmr of the Clock 
afternoon 

Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 

Amherst District Meeting by Adjurn- 
ment on Mondiy the 17th Day of January. 
i a Clock afternoon 

Voted that there be granted to Jonathan 
Dickinson in Recompence for Land for- 
merly taken for y'e Kings Heighway from 



the Lot whereon his Son Simeon Dickin- 
son now dwells, four Acres and three 
Quarters of an Acre of Land in the town 
way north of & adjoining the Lot of Moses 
Warner in Pi.rni following (viz) Begin- 
ning at tiie Rear of the Second Division 
Lota the whole Breadth of the way being 
sixi,t> n Rods thence running Westerly 
Carryina the Whole Breadth of said Way 
forty six rods two feet and half to Bounds 
marked & made by the Com'tee and that 
the whole of the Town Way Lying within 
the before mentioned Limits be & hereby 
is discontinued. 

Voted that the southerly Line of the 
said town way from said Jonathan Dick- 
insons Grant westerly hereafter shall beas 
follows (viz) Beginning at a Stake & 
Stones in tlie Westerly Line of Said Dick- 
inson, s Grant and nine Rods Northerly 
from the Southwest Corner thereof thence 
running West seven Degrees thirty Min- 
utes north about fifty four rods to a burch 
Slake & Stones not far Soutli of the Parth 
thence West forty two Degrees North ten 
rods to a Stakes & Stones thence West fif- 
teen Decrees & thineen Minutes North to 
a Stake Six rods : thence the same Point 
Eighty two rods to a Stake and Stones in 
Moses Warners Fence south from Preserv- 
ed Claps Shop, thence West fourteen De- 
grees South twelve rods to a Stake & Stoiit s 
thencd west 11 deg South 6 rods to a Siaite 
Markd H. W. & Stones, thence West 30 
deg 30 inin north 10 rods to a Stake & Si;oiies 
thence about thirty Rods west 3 deg North 
to a Stake & Stones in the front Line of 
the original Lots and that all that Part of 
said Way which Lies south of Said Line 
be & hereby is discontinued 

Voted that all the Land in Said Way 
south of the Line aforesaid being tour 
Acres & half and sixteen Rjds more then 
Moses Warner has Inclosed be and hereby 
is Granted to Moses Warner as a compen- 
sation for his original Lot taken formerly 
in Said Way and which now makes a 
Part of said Jonathan Dickinsons Grant 



58 



Records of Aivjherst from 1735 to 17^ 



and for what was wanting in Quantity of 
Land formerly Granted to liim & wiiich he 
boui^ht of the Town of Hadley 

The Above Votes Piiist in District 
Meeting 

Attest JosiAH Chauncy Moderator 
Meeting October 30th 1771 

Att a Legal meeting of the District of 
Amherst Hol(ien at the Meeting hous on 
Wednesday the thirtieth day ut October at 
tliree oCiock atternoon A 1771. 

Voted as follows (viz) 

V.ited Peter Smitli Moderator 

Voted that the Select men be impowerd 
to Draw money out of the Treasury to pay 
the Necessary repairs of the Meeting hous 
& School houses 

Tes't Peter Smith Moderator 
Meeting Novein'r 8. 1771 

Att a Letial meeting of the District of 
Amherst Holden at the Meeting hous on 
Friday the E iij^th Day of November 1771 
at two of the Cluck after noon, anil Voted 
as follows (viz) 

Voted Simeon Strong Esq Moderator 

Voted to take sum further Measurs to 
obtaiii an alteration of the Heighway 
Lately Laid through the third Division to 
Belchers town through John Billings 
Lot. 

Voted Moses Dickinson be an Aiient to 
forward a Petition to Court for the purpus 
aforesaid 

Test. Simeon Strong Moderator 
Meeting December 21 1771 

At a Legal Meeting of the District of 
Amherst Holden at the Meeting hous on 
Monday y'e 2d Day of December 1771 ai 
one of the clock in y'e afternoon Voted as 
follows (viz) 

Voted Peter Smith Moderator 

Voted to Adjurn to the school hous iieai 
the Heartling Stake 

Voted that the Courts Cora'tee Lately 
Chosen to vew the County rode Lately 
Laid in the third Division in order to make 
sum alteration or removal of said rode 
Shall come 



Voted to Chuse a Coin'tee to wait on 
the Courts Com'tee 

Voted that Simeon Strong Esq & Peter 
Smith be a Coin'tee for y'e purpus above 

Voted that the Comtee be shewed acros 
the East End of the third Division of Lots 
Leading from Log town ta Pelham Kode 
and also a rode Leading from Noah Dickin- 
sons by De'n Jonathan Edwards and 
thomas Hasting, 8 to Come in with the New 
County Rode Near Nath'll Pecks. 

Test. Peter Smith Moderator 

Meeting January 13th A. D. 1772 

Att A Legal Meeting of the District of 
Amherst holden at the School hous Near 
Landlord Warners on Monday the thir- 
teenth Day of January A. D. 1772 at Nine 
of the Clock in morning Voted as follows 
(viz) 

Voted Alexander Smith Moderator 

Voted to adjurn this Meeting for the 
space of one hour and then return to this 
Place 

Voted to Allow two Shillings per Day 
in Summer for worke & one Shilling & 
Sixpence per day in fall 

Voted to Allow the Bills as they have 
bin red & Considerd 

Voted to Allow the Re'vd David Persons 
his Sallery as in years Paist 

Voted that the Assesers be impowerd to 
Asses the money Voted above 

Voted to Allow Simeon Strong Esq 
forty fore Shillings it being money he 
paid to the Corts Com'tee for their Ser- 
vices 111 December 1771 

V'lted to Take sum Measures to divide 
the District into two Pearishes 

Voied To adjurn tills Meeting to the 
14tli Day of January Current at one of 
the Cb'ck afternoon 

Amherst District Meeting by Adjiirn- 
ment on Tuesday the 14th Day of January 
A. D. 1772 one Clock afternoon 

Voied that the Select Men be Directed 
to Preambiilate the Line between Hadley 
and Amherst 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



59 



Voted ti) CImse (I Coni'tee to Lay out a 
lleciimpence in Land to Josepli Clmrcli 
fi)r his Land taken for a town way & make 
a report to sum futer meeting 

Voted that Elijaii Bdk.T & Et)enezer 
Dickinson Jn'r be a Com'tee for tlie Pur- 
pose above 

Voted llmt the School house that is 
near Edward Smiths lious be removed to 
the Ertst Side of the Street upon Private 
Expenue and tliat tiiere be a Com'tee 
Cliosen to aay wheare it shall stand 

Voted that Isaac G^xidale Solomon 
Boltwood & .j'hn Billings be a Coni'tee 
tor the Purpus al)ove 

Voted to Make De'n Ebenezar Dickiii- 
soti som Mllowance for his former trouble 
in Collecting Alvords Debt 

Vote<l to allow Den Ebenezar Dickin 
sod five pounds for his former Service as 
above nientiimed & Voted 

Voted to take sum lurther measnrs for 
the removal of the County road to lielichers 
town 

Voted that Moses Dickinson tiie f .rnier 
Agent Should go to the Next Court at 
Northampton & liear the report of the 
Courts Com'tee 

're>t. Alexand'r Smith Moderator 
Meeting March lOlh 1772 

Att a Legal Meeting of the District of 
Amherst holdeii at the Meeting llous on 
Tuesday the tenth Day of March at Nine 
of the Clock Forenoon A. D. 1772 Come 
Into the following Votes (viz) 

Voted Alexander Smith Moderator 

Voted Seth Coleman District Clerk 

Voted Simeon Strong Esq Treasurer 

Voted John Dickinson Natl.i'll Dickin- 
son Moses Dickiiuon Rut)en Dickinson 
& John Billings Selectmen 

Voted John Billings John Dickinson 
Ruben Dickinson Assesers 

Voted to adju'-n for the Space of one 
hour and then to Meat at this place 

Voted Joseph Dickinson Joel Moody 
Constables 

Voted Eli P-.rker William Boltwood 



David Hlotchet Joseph Church Surveyors 
of Highways 

Voted Jonathan Cowles Nath'll Coleniati 
Fens Vewers 

Voted Jonathan Moody Jn'r John Nash 
Jn'r Dear Rives 

Voted Elijah Buker Daniel Dickinson 
David t/owles Tytbiiiti men 

Voted Jacob Warner Jn'r Timothey 
Green Jn'r Oliver Clap Robert Emmons 
Ezerah Roode Hog Rives 

Voted Joseph Cbureli Surveay of Lum- 
ber 

Voted Isaiic Goodale Sealer of Leather 

Voted to Repare the Heighways this 
year by the Pole 

Voted E i»har Ingram Isaac Goodale 
Asaliel Moody Wardens 

Voted to Let Hogs run well ring,d and 
yoked sum part of the year 

Voted that liogs shall run from the 
fifteenth of May' to the tenth of August 
next Hamperd as above 

Voted to a'ljuin to the 11th Day of 
March Currant at Nine of the Clock in the 
morning then meet at this Place 

Amherst District Meeting by adjurn- 
ment on Wednesday the 11th of March 
1772 at Nine of the Clock in the morning 

Voted to adjurn to the School hous by 
Landlord Warners 

Voted to adjurn for the space of one 
hour then to meet at this Place 

Voted that the Select Men Draw Money 
out of the Treasurey to Pay for Schooling 
this year 

Voted to accept of the report of a Com'- 
tee Chosen to Lay out a bit of Land to 
Josepli Church which is as follows 

Amherst March 9th 1775 

Att a Legal Meeting on January the 13th 
we the Subscribers being Chosen a Com'- 
tee to Lay out sum Land to Joseph Church 
accordingly we liave gon and laid it out as 
follows 

Beginning at the Mill Siver on the west 
Side of the way N. then Runing Mt. seven 
rods & half t,) a Chesnot Siadel which we 



60 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Markt H. W tlieii runing south forty ro.ls 
ti> a pino Stadt^l tliat we marked H W 
tliPiiee Mr. seven rods & half tliis jjives 
liim one acre & seven sc..re rods cfLaiid 
which we find by the survt-yers Plan to be 
tlie same in quaniity that the town had of 
him for a hi^jhway by us 

Elijah Ijaker 

Ebenzar Dickinson Jn'r 

the Vole tnken respecting the Dividing 
of the Distrect into two Districts or par- 
ishes was pai,»t in ihe NejjHtive by a tie of 
Votes 

Test Alexander Smith Moderator 
iM-eii..n April 21. A D 1772 

Att a Lagal meeting of the District of 
Amher>t H.dden at the Meeting IIous on 
Tuesday y'e twenty fii>t day of aprii at 
fore of the Chick aftern..on Voted as fol- 
lows (viz) 

Voted John Billings Moderator 

Voted to accej)! ofihe Jurers as they 
have bin agreed on l)y the Select Men 
Ti-st. 
Meeting August 17th. 1772 

Att a LegHJ Meeting of the DiKtrect of 
Amnerst liolden at the Meeting hous on 
Monday the 17ih D^y of August 1772 at 
three of the Clock afternoon Voted a* 
follows (viz) 

Voted Josiah Chauncy E-q. Moderator 

Voted To apj)rove the Doings of tlie 
Select Men in employing M'r Gay B>.llan- 
tine to Keep the Grammar School 

Voted to Improve M'r William Guy 
Balleiitine for Six months from Ins first 
Entering in the School 

Voted to Chuse a Com'tee to transact 
the affaire of schooling for the six^nonth 
mention, (1 above 

Voted that Moses Dickins Lev't John 
Dickinson & John Billings be the Com'tee 
above 

Voted that the Com'tee ab ive Should 
weight on Mr. William Gay Ballantine & 
inform hitn of the Votes of the town as 
they Stand above &c 

Attest Josiah Chauncy Moderator 



Meeting Aug'st 17tli [24?] A d 1772 

At a Legal Meeting of the Distrect of 
Amherst holden at the Meeting lious on 
Monday y'e twente of August 1772. 

Voted as follows (viz) 

Voted John Billing" Moderator. 

Voted to Take .-uin further measures 
for the removal of the Coutitey Rode 
through John Billings Lot 

Voted to Shew tlie Courts Cotn'tee that 
is Coming to vew the County rode throUjj,li 
John Billings Lot the Kode Call,d the 
Nonh rode 

Attest 
Meeting January y'e 18 AD 1773 

Alt a Legul Meeting of the District of 
Amherst Holden at the Meeting Hous on 
Monday y'e 18th D»iy of January A. D. 
1773 at Nine of the Clock in the Morning 
Voted as follows (viz) 

Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Voted to Adjurn to the School hous 
Near Landlord Fieles 

Voted to accept of ilie Bills as they 
have bin Red and Consider, d 

VotKl to adjurn for the Space of one 
hour and then Meet at this Place 

Voted that the Assesers be Inipowered 
to Leavey a tax sufficient to Defreay the 
Debts of the District as they have been 
paist & also to pay tlie Rev'd David Par- 
son'* his Salery as in years paist 

Voted upon the Petition of Peletiah 
Smith Jn'r and Nathan Dickinson for 
Damages that they Sustain l)y the Coun- 
tey rode being Liid across their Liiid in 
the third Division to Chews a Com'tee to 
go on the Land and See wheather they 
Shall haVB any Damages or Either of them 
and if any how much and make Report to 
the Next Meeting 

Voted that Moses Dickinson Esq 
Chauncy and Solomon Boitwood be a 
Com'tee for the Piirpus above 

Voted upon the Petition of Simeon 
Strong E-^q. to Cheuse a Com'tee to see 
Wheather M'r Strong sliall have tiie Lib- 
erty of Purchasing a gore of Land before 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



V 
61 



Ids liouse as mention in the Warrant (viz) 
twelve feet wide from Near tlie Placf 
wlie;ir his old linrn formerly stood runitifj 
to a point at the wi-st suit- dt his L •' & for 
what sum and that ihej make report to 
tiie Nex Meeting 

Voii-d ])Mni KeliDiTK, Es(j Channey, 
Ins. John Field, he a Com'tee for the 
Pnrpus above &c 

Voted to liaise thirtey five Pounds far 
tlie use of sciiooling in the year Insewintj 

V'lted thii 111' Ansesers he Impovvcrd 
to rais the money mentinned almve for tiie 
use of Schooling and give auder for tiie 
Same 

Voted tliat article of proviiiitiyr (or more 
scliD.iiin;; for Small t.;hildri-n in li silish 
Schools Shall Be Postponed to March 
Meeting 

Voted that tiie Self-ct men Shall waigiit 
on Abner Lee for tiie Performance ot liis 
agreement of repairini; the Heighway 
across the Second Division of Lots Near 
the South End of Amherst lill iiie Laist 
Day of May Next and if it is not tlien 
Repar,d the Select Men Shall aud^r the 
Treasurer to Prosecute Abner Lee. 
Attest. Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Meeting March y'e 8ih A D 1773 
Att a Legal Meeting of the District of 

Amherst holden at the Meeting hous on 

Monday y'e 8th Day of March A D 1773 

at Nine of the Clock in the morning 

Voted as follows (viz) Voted John 

Billings Moderator 
Voted Seth Coleman Destrict Clerk 
Voted Simeon Strong Esq. Treasurer 
Voted John Dickinson Moses Dickinson 

Nath'll Dickinson Ebenezar Mattoon Tlu- 

ben Dickinson Select men 

Vi'ted Ebenezar Mattoon Moses Dick- 

ins'in Ruben Dickinson Assesers 

Voted Ruben Ingram Simeon Smith 

Constables 

Voted to Adjurn tiiis Meeting for the 

.Space of one hour and then meet at this 

place 



Voted Natlian Dickinson, Jomtthan 
Smith, Isjiao Hu I)im| Daniel Dicdtinson, 
Mariiiiii Kellogg Thomas lla>tings Sur- 
veyers of highways 

Voted Martain Smith Hezekiah Belding 
Joseph Ciiurch tything Men 

Voted Jonathan Cowles Nath. Coleman 
fens Vewers 

Voted Elishar Dickinson Elislier Good- 
ale, Aarctn Warner Jn'r Simeon Elmer 
Jost ph Smith Hogreeves 

Voted Jonathan Dickinson Jn'r Jotiathan 
Mooily Jn'r Deer reeves 

Voted Thomas Hastings Seler of Leath- 
er 

Voted that Hogs shall run ring,d and 
yoke,d according to Law from the Midle of 
May Next to the lir.st of September Next 

Voted Martaiu Smith oliver Cowles 
Pliilup Ingram Wardens 

Voted to allow five month schooling to 
Each Quarter of the town in the Insuing 
year in that Part of the year when the 
Select men Sliall Judg most profatable 
ior the Inlieahitanis 

Voted to adjurn to the School hous 
Near Landlord Fields hous 

Voted that the Preambulatry of the Line 
between Hadley & Amherst Lately run by 
the Selectmen of Hadley and Amherst be 
acctpted as follows (viz) from the bay 
rode to the >V. M. tree Standing at the 
Soutwest Corner of John Billings Lot and 
no further; tiiis being the report of the 
Selectmen as by them returned 

Voted to Allow Peletiah Smith tiie Sum 
of three pounds as reward for the County 
rode Lately Laid a Cross his Lot in the 
third Division 

Voted to Allow Nathan Dickinson Jn'r. 
three pounds a[s] a reward for the County 
R lad Laid a Cross his Lot in the third 
j Division. 

Voted to accept of the Report of a Com'- , 
tee Chosen to Set of a bit of Land to Sim- 
eon Strong Esq. before his dore (viz) be- 
ginning twenty feet wide against wiiere 
his old barn stood runing to a point against 



^% 



^QQRD* OFTAmHEKSTi^ROM 1735 TO 17^ 



Ips h>ini as it now StHnds Containing about 
Si^ ,I,iiids,f(pprais,(i at three shillings 

Voted to Allow Nathen Dickinson Jn'r 
Preserved Clap Provence Rme ior the 
year 1771 

Attest John Billings Moderator 

The Report of the Select Men for a 
Heitihway whicli is as follows (viz) 

Amherst february y'e 8th 1773 this May 
inform that we the Subscribers have Laid 
a town Rode through Peter Smiths Lot 
wliear on his lious Stnn<ls (viz) on the 
South Side Beginning at the East End of 
Said Lot, Beyinning at a Stake and Stones 
Runiiig Westerly two liundred & twenty 
eaight rods west on Said Smiths South 
Line Said w«y to be two Rods in wi<ltli 
Moses Dickinson ] 
John Dickinson o i ht l- 

John I^illings Select Men ot 

Nath-ll Dickinson | Amherst 

RuBKN Dickinson J 

the ahdve report of the select men for a 
Rode Voted 

Atte-t John Billings Moderator 

The Report of the Select men for a 
Heigh«ay which is as follows (viz) 

Minutes of a highway Laid out by the 
Select men of Ainlierst on the flat hills, 
beginning at a Stake & Stones near the 
foot of the hill and runing N. 7 deg 30 niin 
Est 19 rods th [en] N. 22 deg Est 14 rods 
to a black oak stadle then N 10 deg Et. 25 
rods the N. 33 deg 30 min Et. 24 rods to a 
black oak tree then N. 26 deg East 12 rods 
& [half] to a Stake, then Nortii 23 rods 
then N. 13 deg 30 min Et. 28 rods to a 
heap of Stones, then N: 10 deg wst. 19 
rods & 12 Links then N : 3 <h g 30 min Wi. 
22 rods, then N 5 deg 40 min Et. 15 rods 
to a heap of Stones then North 44 rods 
to Shute>bury road said rode to be four 
rods in wedth. 

P'r Simeon Parsons Surveyer 

the Above reporie of tiie Select men for 
a Rode Voted 

Attest John Billings Moderator 
Meeiitig April y'e 14th. A D 1773 

Att a Legal Meeting of the* Distrect of 



Amhearst holden at the Meeting Hous on 
Wednesday the forteenth Day of April A 
D 1773 at one of the Clock after Noon 
Voted as follows (viz) 

Voted Moses D.ckinson Moderator 
Voted to be at the Expence of twelve 
month schooling for gramer schooling in 
the Winter Ceason 

Voted to Build two Meetinghouses in 
the Distrect of Amherst 

Voted that Timothey Green Shall have 
Liberty to fence and Improve all tiie town 
way between the front of his lot and the 
County Rode for the ^pace of two year and 
then fling it up to Commonage weell seeded 
to grass 

Voted to Exchange Sutn of the Heigli- 
way wiih Noali Dickinson for sum of liis 
Land 

Voted to Chuse a Comt'ee for the pur- 
piis above and thnt they make Reporte to 
Sum fuier Meeting 

Voted De'n. Jonathan Edwards Daniel 
Kellogg and Joseph Church be a Com'tee 
for the Purpus above 

The Petition of Sundry of the Inhe ibit- 
ants to be free,d from the Charge of Build- 
ing two Meeting houses (as has Oin Voted 
above) was Consider, d and Paist in the 
Negative &c 

Meetitig January 3d: AD 1774 
Art, a Legal Meeting of the District of 
Amherst Holden at the Meeting Hons on 
Monday the 3il Day of January 1774 at 
Nine of the Clock in the Morning and 
Voted as follows (viz) 

Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 
Voted to accept of the Bills as they liave 
t)in Red and Corrected and that the asses- 
ers he impowered to Leavey a tax for 
raising the Same 

Voted to allow the Re'vd David Parsons 
his Salery as in years paist and that the 
Assesers Leavey a Tax tor Raising the 
Same 

Voted to Adjurn this Meeting for the 
Space of one Hour and then to meet at 
this place 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Voted to Make wnswer to tlie Pi-tition of 
Sundry of tlie Inlieahitats of Aiidierst and 
the CitHtiiMi tlifTeby Sent from the general 
Conn 

Voted to Clioose ii Ciun'tee to Draw up 
said answer and forward ilie Same to tlie 
general Court. 

V Moses Diikinson Lev't, John 

Dickinson. Moses Smith Ruben Dickinson 
Joseph VViliianis Eli Parker Ebenez ir 
Dickinson be the Com'tee for the Purpus 
above 

Voted to Leave the Conduct of tlie 
affears for which the Com'tee [were] 
Chosen to be Conducted by tliein as they 
Sliall think best for tlie Town 

Voted to Divide tlie District of Amherst 
by an East and west Line from the Cen- 
tre of the Meeting House as it now Stands 
by a Large Majority 

Voted to Chews a Com'tee for the Pur- 
pus above 

Voted To refer it to the former Com'tee 
Chi'sen to make Answer to tlie CduiIs Ci- 
tation 

Moses Dici^inson Modnrator 

Meeting January 2(>rh AD 1774 

Att a Legal Meeting of the District oi 
Amherst Holden at the Meeting Hotis on 
Wetnesday y'e 26th Day of January at 
Nine of the Clock in y'e morning Voted 
as follows (viz) 

Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Voted to Choose tWD Atretits to Refer a 
Petition to the General Court to obtain the 
Division of the Distr. ct of Amherst as it 
was voted in the Laist Meeting 

Voted that Moses Dickinson be one of 
the Agents above 

Voted that Rubin Dickinson be the 
other 

Voted that these Agents be impowerd 
to Draw Money out of the Trcasurey to 
Defray the Necessary Chardges of S,d Pe- 
tition 

Voted that the Select Men be Impowerd 
to give auder upon the Treasurer to Draw 



out twelve pound of money for the above 
S.'d A'-'enis to Defray their Necessary 
Chardges of S,'d Petition 

Voted to Authourise two Men to Make 
answer to the general Courts Citation in 
Consequence of a I'etition of a Number of 
the Inheabitaiis nf Amherst 

Voted Ruben Dickinsim be one of the 
Agents 

Voted Moses Dickinson Be the other 

V 'icl til Chews a Com'tee of Corris- 
poiidence t > Refer with the Com'tee of 
Cnrrispondance in the Town of iJoston 

Voted Ruiien Dickinson JosephWilliums 
Moses Dickinson Jacob McDaniel Naih'll 
Dickinson he the Com'tee affore S,'d 

Voted that the Cmn'tee Lraw up a Let- 
ter for the Com'tee of Corrispondance in 
Boston to Be Red m the Next iM<'eting 
Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Meetir-.g Marcl) Hth 1774 

Att a Legal Meeting of the District of 
Amherst Holden at the Meeting lions on 
Monday the 14ih Day of March A D 1774 
at Nine of the Clock in the morning. 
Voted as follows (viz) 

Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Voted Seth Coleman District Clerk 

Voteil SiniecHi Strong Esq District 
Treasurer 

Voted Ruben Dickinson John Dickin- 
son Moses Dickin»on N^tli'll Dickinson 
Ebenezar Muttoon Selectmen 

Voted Moses Dickinson John Dickin-. 
son Ruben Dickinson Assesers 

Votfd Oliver Cowles John Williams 
Constables 

Voted Ilenerey Jonson Frankling Enos 
Coleman Gideon Dickinsim Jn'r Edivard 
Smith T> thing Men 

Voted To adjiirn this Meeting for the 
Space of one hour and then Meet at this 
Place 

Voted Abner Adorns Nath'U Dickinson 
81 Alexaiid Smith Njithan Dickinson Jn'r 
Noah Smith Timothey Green Gideon 
Dickinson Surveyers of Highways 



64 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Voted (() D^) Ht-igliway VVorke lliis 
year by the Pole 

Voted iliat Town Heigliwnys Sluill be 
Put in Repar Equally Wiili tlie Comity 
Rods 

Voted Asael Moody Mart. .in Kt-llogtf 
Dearrits 

Voted Jonathan Cowles Naili'll Colf- 
niaii fens Vewtrs 

Voted Tliomas Hastin^is Seler of Leath- 
er 

Vote.) M..se» Cook, Jonallian Moody 
Jn'r Jolin Billings Daniel Church Barna- 
bas Sabin.i Samufl Hruery Hogrif> 

Voted Joseph Church Survey, r of Luni 
ber 

Voted Noali Dickinson, Lent. William 
Boltwood Isaac Hiibhard Wardens 

Voted to allow Saiwuel goiilds Bill for 
Sweeping the Meeting hoiis and fasten- 
ing the Dors (viz) £1-0 4 

Voted to Chews a Conftee to wait upon 
the Courts Coni'tec that is to K^ pare to 
Ainhejstto Discide the Dispute respect- 
ing the Divieion of Amherst &c 

Vol d Kiiben Dickin.son Moses Dickin- 
son M6se» Smith be ihe C^m'tee ab.ve 

Voted to Allow ihe Coiirtee above a 
Reason.iiiie ie«,ird For tlieir C rvic-s 

Voted to Accept of the Letter of C.-r- 
r. >.. ndahce Diaw.i up by the C .lll'lee 
Chosen y'e Laist Meeting to Refer w.ih 
the Com'tee of C..rrespond in B .ston as it 
haili bill Now led 

Voted thai the same should be Record- 
ed on y'e town book &c 

Att MosKs DiUKiNsox Moderator 

liOrter of Correspondence 
At a meeting of the Freeholders and 
other loheabitinis of the District nf Am- 
hersi in the C"uniy of Hampshire on Wed 
nesday the 26tli of January Laist, it was 
Voted that the Letter Receiv.l from the 
Com'tee of CJorresuondance in the towu of 
Boston should be red and Consider,d — 
whereupon the f .llowing gentlemen, vizt. 
Moses Di.-kinson Ruben Dickin-nn, Ja- 



cob McDaniel, Nathain'l Dickinson, & 
Joseph Williams were Chosen and appoint- 
ed a Com'tee to prep ir an answer at their 
Next Annual Meeting in March when the 
following was submitted to the Consider- 
ration of Said District 

To the Respectable Committee of Cor- 
respcMidence in the town of Boston 

Geiit.'n 

We think it needless to Recapitulate all 
those grievancses Wideh we suffer in 
Common with our oppre^t Brethren and 
Neiabbois. Sufficient to Say that tiio we 
have been L uig siUiit we are not insensi- 
ble of th-^ oppressions we suffer and the 
ruin whicli tlireatens us or regardiis of the 
Diaboliral Desisjiis of our Mercenary and 
ManevolPiit Enemies Foreign and Domes- 
tic and are r^ady not onley to risque but 
even to Sacrifice our Lives and Properties 
in Defence of our just rights & liberties at 
Present we are only Gilled not subdued 
and think oursplves heajiv in bavintr such 
visfilaut and faithful gardiins of our 
rights in the Metropolis on liooni we Can 
Depend to Call on ns in Sea»on to unite 
with our suffering Country nen in the 
Common Cause of Americn we hope and 
beg that you will Still Persevere iu that 
most Honorrble & importent Imploynient 
of WMtcbiui; over us with the Same Care 
and Fidelity which has hitherto Distin- 
guish, d & grately Dignified your Charac- 
ters in the Esiiniaiion of all who have a 
just sence of that hest of Blessings Liber- 
ty & an Equal abhorence of that tame sub- 
mition which tends to Pintail on our Pos- 
terriiy that worst of Curses Sb'Very 

Every Avenue to the Royal E ir seems 
to be blocked up by the gross falsities & 
Dei-itrnil Misrepresentations of those from 
sum of whom at Least we initjht have Ex- 
pected better things but there is a King 
who Cannot be Deceived & who will not 
be mocked who has pointed out a never 
failing resource when Petitions & Renion- 
stances, Triiih & justice are iinsuccesfully 
Opposed to Tiroiiey and Oppression fals- 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17< 



65 



liDOil & Coiriiptioii & when you feel that 
iiiil)UNe wliicli will iioi hrocik I er I ' - 
la^', llie vvixhim ot'ihe People will iiamral- 
ly wriie ill the iiioii.- i)t the hesl ApjeHl, 
to which }ou most Disiant Brethren Ex- 
pect to be siinimoned unless prevent, d b> 
ii suihiiiiy unexpected & very fnvourable 
(.niand^-e ot fitieais. their are whom 
Ju-tice torliids to live l)Ut whom we would 
spare to t;.iiiviiice the world we Despise 
thiir utMHisi li;ue & maliciiiiis Cuiuiiiik- 
the Colonies united <ire invinciably tree & 
we d'lUt iiiit yiiu.are Conviiic,d that the 
rie>t-rvaiioii of llint union outweighs 
every other ConsidHratinii and is at Pres- 
ent our most Iinp>>rtant Concern, while 
that is secure we have nothing to fear bui 
may Ltugh at all attempts to Enslave us 
we know of no punishment wliicli Can be 
Inflicted on tluise vilros in Exalted- Sta 
tions adi qiiate to ilieir own leflections & 
remorse accompanyd witli our Neglect, 
Contempt & Detestation luit at the s mie 
time should tiiink ourselves happier if 
Everey banefull Nnxinus weed Could by 
aney means be Eradicated from this our 
lair garden of Liberty, we Entirely ap- 
prove & Concurf with you in every me s- 
ure liitherto ad'ipted & Coiuhicted & re- 
turn our uratefuil thanks to the People ot 
Boston & the Neighboring towns iu n Per- 
ticuler nianiier for tne seasonable Indeav- 
ours & mandley opposition to prevent the 
Lmdint; of the East Imlia Cumpanys teas 
which Plan we are Convi,ic,d was arteful- 
ly Projected to open the gate for the adini- 
tioii (jf Tyrany & oppression with all their 
Papacious followers to Stalk at Lanje & 
niicontrnl.d to Ifavage our fare & Dear 
bought Possessions. Everey ine'isure 
which shall apnear Conducive to the Pub- 
lick good we are warranted to asiire you 
will alwa}s hp approved & support, d by a 
Larue Majorrity in tliis District and 
[y?]our Continual Correspondence as 
Loiitf as you sliall think occaiion requires 
meet with Due respect & attention we are 



in behalf of the District vt^ry Ke>ptciluily 
Gent'm 
your oblig'd & most hble, servts 

Moses Dickinson '\ 

KiiUBEN Dickinson 

Jacob McDaniel {-Committee 

Nath i.L Dickinson 

Joseph Williams 

Voted that ilif above be lleconied and 
an attes'd t'<>py be Transfer'd to the Hon- 
ourable Com'tee of Correspondance in the 
town of Boston 

Meeting May 23d 1774 
At a Legal Mt-eting of the District of 
Amherst Uolden at the Meetinjj houa on 
Monday the 23d Day of May A D 1774 at 
two of the Clock in the afternoon Voted as 
follows (viz) 

Voieii liut)en Dickinson Moderator 
Voted to spnd Rubi'n Dickinson as an 
agent to the general Court to hear the lle- 
pourt of the Couits Committee 

Voted that the above said agent shall 
Coiidui't the att'ear as he shall, think best 
for the town 

Voted to furnish the agent with money 

Voted to Impower the Selectmen to 

Draw out S vei. pound of money for the 

agent above to Defray his Necessary 

Chardges 

Voted to Accept of the Jurys as they 
have bin r . (I &,■ 

KuBEN Dickinson Moderator 
Meeting Sept. 20th 1774 
Alt a Meeting of District of Amherst 
ou Tuesday y'e 20th of Sept 1774 Voted as 
follows (viz) 

Voted Natli'll Dickinson Moderntor 
Voted to Chose a Com'tee of Correspon- 
dence as a Standing Com'tee 

Voied Moses Di(;kinson Joseph East- 
man Jacob McDaniel John Dickinson & 
Natb'll Dickinson Jn'r l.e tiie Com'tee 
aflfore Said 

Voted to Chose three Deligates to Meet 
in beiialf of the District at Nortliam|iton 
on y'e 22d of Inst Sept. 



66 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17< 



Voted Moses Dickiiisx)ii Jacob McDan- 
iel & John Dickinson be the Deligates 
afFore Said &c 

Nathll Dickinson Moiierator 

Meetirifi October 3d 1774 

Att a Legnl Meeting of the Freeholders 
and other Inheahiiants of the District of 
Amherst Qualified by L><vv to Voie in 
Town affairs on Monday the third day of 
October A. D. 1774 Piu-.-u mt to the Wor- 
rant 

Voted that M'r Moses Dickinson be a 
Moderator to Govern said me> ting 

Voted Unanimously to Send one Dele 
gate and but one to attend at the Proren- 
tial Conyress at Concord aff"ore Snid 

Voted that M'r Nath'll DicUin-on Jn'r 
be the Person to attend to the Provincinl 
Congir«s at Concord siOove Mentiom d 
.V itr.'t MosKs Dickinson Moderator 
jVleeiina dannary 2>l 1775 

Att a Legal Meeting of the Freeholders 
and Hther Iidiahitants of the Di-trict of 
Amherst Qualified to Vote for a Repre- 
sentative on Monday the second Day ot 
January 1775 at Nine of the Clock in the 
forenoon Pursuant to a Legal Worrant for 
that purpose 

Voted that NhiIi'II Dickinson Jn'r be a 
Moderator to Govern said Meeting 

Voted to Send one Delagate & but one 
to att.-nti \ ' Pr.iVenliiii Co 'gress to be 
h olden at Cambridge on y'e first Day of 
febniary Next or sooner if(^iM,ii t .r 

Voted that Natb'll Dickinson junr be 
tlie 1) .. t;aie to attend the Piovential 
Congress to be holdeii at Cambridge as 
affore S,d 

Attest Natb'll Dickinson for moderator. 
MeeiiMti February 23d 

An a Leyral \!eeing of the District of 
Amherst holden at the Meeting bous on 
thir-day y'e twenty third Day of February 
1775 at Nine of the Clock in the morning 
Voted as follows (viz) 

Voted Moses Dickinson Moderator 



Voted to allow M'r Natb'll Dickinson 
Jr's Bill for going to the two Provential 
(^llli>r■•sses Paist 

Voted to allow all the Bills as they have 
bin r- il & Corrected tor the year Paist 

Voted to allow M'r Josiah Peirs our 
Proportional part of his Chardges for 
goint; t<i attend the general Court Laist 
may Cession 

Voted to Impower the Assesers to Leav- 
ey a tax Sutficieiit to Defray the Bills 
that have hill red & Corrected & «lso to 
Pay the Rev'd David Parsons, s Salery as 
in years paist 

Voted to Rais a sum of Monej sufficient 
to pay for the Scbocding the Town is in- 
debted for in tlie year Paist to be Assest 
in the N' xt tax 

Voted to Adjiirn for the space of one 
hour and ihen to Meet at this Place 

Voted lo PuriHoise one Hundred & fifty 
weijilit .f Powder & L' d & flints answer- 
able 

Voted that the Money for the Payment 
of tlie Same he iminedi'ately assest 

Voted that all the Provence Money Still 
R.-niaining in the banes of the Consiahles 
& not P;dd to Hearison gray be Paid in to 
H. nry Gardner E^q of Stow 

Voted to Chose a Com'tee to Receive 
the Money of the Constables & Pay it to 
Henry Gardner E^^q of Stow & take his 
R cp't for the Same 

Voted to Cliose five Men as a Com'tee 
tor the Pnrpus ahove 

Voted that Joseph Eastman Natb'll 
Dickinson Jn'r Eb-nezH Bidiwood Sim- 
eon Clark & Moses Dickinson be the Com'- 
tee above 

Voted ibat the Constables Shall Pay in 
all the Provence Money jet remaining in 
their Hands & not Paid to Hearison Gray, 
to the Com'tee above Chosen for that 
Purpus ^ 

Voted that if the Com'tee or Either of 
them Produce a Recp't from Henry Gard- 
ner E-q of th« Payment of any Part of the 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



67 



Provence tax to him tliis Di»tiict will In- 
dfinnifi Said Coin'tee for such money so 
paid 

Voted to Chose a Ooin'ioe who shall 
Borrow or other wise Procure such Sum 
or Suines of money as yet Remmii to be 
CollfCied by the Coiistnbles Cho»en by 
this District for the yenr ]774 and pay tiie 
M 'ney to Henry gardner E q of Stow 

Voted that Joseph Eastman Nath'll 
Dickinson Jn'r El>enezar Boltwood Sim- 
eon Clark & Moses Dickinson be the 
Com'tee for y'e purpus above 

Voted that when ihe Constal)les (or ilie 
year 177-i have Collected ihe Provence 
Tax for said year that ihey Shall Pay the 
Same to the above Com'tee Cliosen for 
that Puipiis 

Voted that it the (.^..nsables for y'e 
year 1771 i'roiince a recp't from y'e Com'- 
tee or Either of ihem for the Payment ot 
any part of the Provence Tmx to them or 
Eitiier of ihem this District will indemnifi 
ye Sd. Constables lor such Money so paid 
Voted that this District will use their 
Utmost Iiideavour to ascist the Coiistahles 
ill Colleciiiig their taxes 

Voted to Chose a Com'cee of Inspec- 
tion who shall Exert themselves in Cans 
ing the associaiioii of the Coniinental 
Congress as also a Resolve of the Provin- 
cial Congress Pais,d on y'e first Day ot 
December laist for Carying into Execu- 
tion the association to he truly adlie^rjd 
to & Executed as also to suppress all Ped- 
lers & Petty Chapmen 

Voted Noidi Dickinson Nathan Dickin- 
son Hezekiali Belding Joseph Williamsj 
Isaac Hubliard Ehentzr Dickinson, Gid- 
eon Dickinson John Billings Nath'll 
Dickinson Jn'r be the Com'tee above 

Voted to Cho>e a Com'tee who shall 
Gary a subscription Paper to tiie several 
Pheamileys within this District to give 
them an opertunity to subscrihe such 
things as they shall Pleas for the Relief of 
the Poor of Boston & Charletnwn and 
Make Return thereof to March Meeting 



Voted Ehenezor Mattoon Ebenez;»r 
Eaatnian Jonathan Dickinson Jn'r Joel 
Moody Nathan Dickinson jnr be the 
Com'tee atiove 
Attest: MosKS DiCKmsoN Modemtor 

At n Leirsil meetintt of the Fr^-ehohlers 
and other Inhabitants of the District of 
Amherst Qualified to vote in Town affairs 
on Teusday the twenty eighth Day of 
March A D 1775 at Nine of the Clock in 
the forenoon Pur«ui»nt to a Legal War- 
rant for that purpose 

Voted. That Mos-es Dickinson be a 
Moilernior to govern said meeting 

Voted. That Naih'll Dickinson Jun'r be 
tlie Clerk f..r tins District the ensuing 
year 

Voted. That Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r be 
the Treasurer tor this District the ensuing 
year 

Voted. That Moses Dickinson, John 
Dickinson, Reuben Dickinson, Nath'll 
Dickinson and Elinnezer Mattoon be the 
Select men for this District the ensuing 
year 

Voted. That Joseph Eastman, Nath'll 
Dickinson Jun'r and Moses Dickinson be 
the Assessors for this District the ensuing 
year 

Voted. That liohert Emmons and James 
Merrick be the Constables for this Dis- 
trict the ensuing year 

Voted. That Timothy Green, Isaac 
Hulibard. Reuhen Dickinson, Henry 
Franklin, Tho nas Bascom, and Jonathan 
Dickinson Jn'r be surveyors ol Heighways 
tile ensuing year 

Voted. Th'inas Bascom, Nath'll Dick- 
inson 2'd, Edward Smith, Joel Billings 
Eiezer Cowls, and Elisha Smith be the 
Tytliinginen for this District the ensuing 
year 

Voted. That Joseph Dickinson & Eli 
Parker be Fence vit wers for this District 
the ensuing year 

Voted. That Barnabas Edy, Abner 
Adams, Israel Dickinson, Eiezer Cowls, 



68 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Samuel Boltwood, Gideon Dk-kinson Jun'r 
ami John Billing Jun'r be Uogreaves for 
til s District tlie ensuii\ff year 

^' .-'1. Tliat Tliorans Husiinsis be a 
sealer of Leather for this Disnic-t !lie 
ensuinjf yenr 

Voted. That EUnIui Insiraham l)e aitded 
to the Committee appoimeii to receive 
and pay the Province monies to Henry 
Gardner E>q"r 

Voted. That l'liili(> In^raham be paid 
tli' Slim f one r '■ il four >.iiilliM^s hy 
order of the Select men out of tlie 1 ) rict 
Treasury 

Voted. That this District Doth npurove 
of Elislia Inaraham as a Tavern keeper 
and recommend it to the selectmen that 
they grant him their approbation for the 
same 

Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 

Att a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the District of Amherst assembled at 
tbe meeting bous in S'd District on the 
fourth Day of May 1775 — 

Voted. John Billings Moilerator 

Voted. To choose a Committee to pro- 
vide Stores tor the support of the Army 
collected at Cambridge & Towns around 

Voted. M'r McDaniell, Simeon Smith, 
John BilliiiL,'s, Daniel Keliogii, Alexander 
Smith be a Coin'tee for that Purpose 

Voted. That tbe Committee ciiosen act 
Discretionary in providing stores 

Attest John Billings Moderator 

Voted. Upon the general clause in the 
Warrant J i.epli Eastman Moderator 

Tile T<iwn enters into the examination 
of M"r Josiab Ciiauncey 

Voted. Not satisfied with his answer to 
the charge laid asiainst him. 

Voted. That s'd Cbanncey should Burn 
all his Commissions he had ever received 
from the King, md also commit bis Fire 
arms into the hands of tbe Select men of 
tlie District 

Voted. To Adjourn tbe meeting to tbe 
s'd meeting bouse untill Tensday the ninth 
Day of May Current at one of tbe Clock in 

e Afternoon 



Voted. Not satisfied with tbe answer 
given by John Nash to the charge made 
against liim 

At a meeting of tbe Inhabitants of tbe 
District of Amherst Pursuant to Adjourn- 
ment on Teiisday tlie Ninth Day of May 
at one of the Clock in tbe afternoon 

Voted, that John Nash should Destroy 
his Commission received from Autliority 
tliat theti they would be satisfied 

Voted. That tbe Arms of Josiab Cbaun- 
cey should be remrned to him 

Attest Joseph Eastman Moderator 

Att a meeting of .the Freeholders & 
other Inhahitams of tbe District of Am- 
herst Qualifii-d to vote for a Representative 
on Wednesday tbe twenty fourth of May 
1775 at four of tbe Clock in the Afternoon 
Pursuant to a Legal Warrant for that pur- 
pose 

Voted. To choose one Delegate to attend 
tbe Provincial Congress lo be holden at 
Watertown (m the thirty first instant 

Voted. That said Delegate be cliosen by 
hand vote 

Voted. That Natb'll Dickinson Jun'r be 
the Delegare to attend the Congress to be 
holden at Watertown on the thirty first of 
this Instant May 

Voted. Tiiat tlie select men Borrow tbe 
sum ot Six Pounds to Defray the expenoe 
of said Delegate unless paid him hy the 
Constables before he attends the Congress 

V<ited. That tiK- Committee of Corre- 
spondence & Inspection heretofore chosen 
continue in their offices 

Voted. That said Committees act ac- 
cordingly to the Directions of Congress 

Moses Dickinson ^ Select men 
Attest John Dickinson !-oftlie District 
Nath'll Dickinson J of Amherst 

At a Legal meetiotJ of toe Inbeahitants 
of the District of Amherst Qualified to 
Vote for a Representative o^i tbe tenth 
Day of July 1775 I' ^rsuant to a Legal 
warrant for that purpose 

Voted. To choose one Representative 
and but one to attend at the General 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



69 



1 Select men 
..t iiii- Disirici 
of Aiiiliwst 



Assemtily to bt- lioldeti at Watertown on 
the Nineteeiiih Current 

Vcited. Tlint M'r Moses Dickinson he 
tiie Representative to attend the Assembly 
abovesMJil 

John Dickinson 
Atteot 

Nath'll Dickinson 

At a L-giil niieting nf the Iniiabitanis 
of iliH District of Amherst Qualified to 
vote in Town affairs on thursday Aufifust 
the tenth 1775 

Voted Joseph Enstman Moderator 

Voted — To clioose a Conunittee to go 
to M'r Parsons & Desire him to attend the 
nieetini; 

Voted— That John Dickinson, Natli'll 
Dickinson & John Billings be the Commit- 
tee 

Voted. To suspend any further j)ro- 
ceeding respecting the Rev'd David Par- 
sons for the present 

Voted — That Simeon Smith, Thomas 
Hastings, c^ D'li Simeon Clarke be added 
to the ('oinniirttee of Correspondence 
Att'st Joseph Eastman Moderator 

[Henceforward in the records Amherst 
is always spoken of as a town. Legally, 
however, it did not become a town until 
the Act of March 23, 1786.] 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhahitants 
of the Town of Andier.^t (Qualified to votf 
in town affairs) on Wednesday the twenty 
fourth Day of January AD 1776 at Nine 
O'clock in the forenoon Pursuant to a 
Legal warrant for that purpose 

Voted. Moses Dickinson Esq'r Modera- 
tor 

Voted — To allow the Bills tliat have 
been read 

Voted. To empower the Assessors to 
Assess a sum on the Itihabitants of tl.is 
town sufficient to pay the Bills that have 
been read as also twenty six Pounds to 
support scliooiinn and the Rev'd David 
Parsons's salarv 

Voted — To Grant a sum of money for 
the support of schooling 



Voted — That twenty six Pounds be 
liranted for tin- i-u-iport of .-chooling 

Voted. To choose a Committee of Cor- 
respondence 

Voted— that the said Committee con^st 
i>f seven 

Voted. That Capt'n Reuben Dickinson, 
Leivt Simeon Smith, Moses Dickinson 
E q Leivt Elijah Baker, Simon Fohes, 
Ehen^zer Mattoon and Martin Kellogg be 
the said Committee 

Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst on Monday tlie 
iwenty fifih Day of March, 1776 

Vot'd Most-s Dickinson Esq'r Modera- 
tor 

Vot'd Nath'll Dickinson Jnn'r Town 
Clerk 

Vot'd Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Treasurer 

Vot'd Joseph Eastman, J()se()h Williams, 
Mos>'S Dickinson E>q'r L't Simeon Smith, 
Simeon Dickinson selectmen 

Voted. Moses Dicdcinson Esq'r Joseph 
Eastman Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Asses- 
sors 

Voted — Martin Smith, & Lemuel Moody 
Constables 

Voted Daniel Kellogg, Jonatlian Smith, 
Josiiih Warner, David Smith, L't John 
Dickinson, Joel BillintiS, Surveyors of 
Higii^ays — Voted 'I'homas Hastings Seal- 
er of Leather — Voted. Joseph Dickinson, 
Nath'll Coleman Fence Viewers — Voted 
— Elisha Intjram, Jonathan Dickinson 
Juti'r James Merrick John Nash, Elislia 
Smith, Tytliintjmen — Vot'd Henry Frank- 
lin, Ebei-iezer Boltwood, Zrtcheriah Haw- 
ley, Elezer Cowls, John Lee, Joseph 
Peck, Hogreeves. 

Vot'd Jncoh McDaniell, Noah Dickin- 
son, Noah Smith, Wardens. 

Voted. To Choose Nine men for a Com- 
mittee of Correspondence 

Voted. That Moses Dickinson Esq'r 
Elijah Baker, Cap't Reuben Dickinson 



70 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Natli'll Dickinson .lun'r James Merrick, 
L't Simeon Smith, Joseph Eastman John 
Billing, Ehenezer Dickinson be the Cora- 
mitte of Correspondence 

Voted— That Hogs Yoked & rung ac- 
cording to Law he allowed to run in the 
Commons from the iniildle of May to the 
mid'lle of August — Voted — To raise a sum 
of money to repair the liighways — VotM — 
To raise Sixiy Poumis to repair tlie Heigh- 
ways — Voteil — To allow two shillings and 
eitilit Pence per Day for work in summer 
anil two shillings P'r Day fur work in 
fall 

Votfd — That tliH Assessors proceed by 
the Laist List to make tlie Assessment 

Voted — That the Assessors be empower- 
ed to assess the Sum of Sixty Pounds to 
repair the HfighwMys — Vot'd — T'lat Sam- 
uel Henry have Leave to take earth from 
unch-r the meeting-house to make Salt 
Petre 

Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator 

At a meetinif of ilie Freeholders and 
other Inhahitants of the Town of Amherst 
Qualifi-il to vote for a Representative May 
the 22'd. 17*76 

Voted — M'r John Billing a Representa- 
tive the ensuing year 

Moses Dickinson ^ select men 
Attest Joseph Williams y of 

Simeon Dickinson J Amherst 

At a Legal Meetintt of Che Inhahitants 
of the Town ot Amherst June 13th 1776 

Voted Joseph Exstmau Moderator 

Voted Nath'U Dickinson Jun'r to take 
Recogeiizances of Deins 

Voted — That should the Honourable 
Congress, fir the safety of the united Col- 
onies in America : Declare them Independ- 
ant of the Kimidom of Great- liritnin ; We 
the Inhahitants of the town of Amiierst 
solemnly engage with our lives and for- 
tunes to support them in the measure — 
And that this Resolve be transmited to our 
Representative in General Assemby as in- 
fltructons to him 

Attest 



At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of t'le Town of Amherst (qualified to vote 
in town affairs) the 20ih Day of January 
1777 

Vot'd Joseph Williams Moderator 

Vot'd two Shillings per day for work 
Done at Bridges in the fall & Spring 

Vot'd two Sliilling & eight pence pr 
Day for work Done at iirulttes in Sum- 
n)er 

Vot'd Seven Shillings & Six Pence per 
Hundred for two inch Oak Plank 

Vot'd To allow the Bills as read and 
corrected 

Voted. To Grant twenty five pounds to 
procuie a town Stock ol Ammunition 

Voted. To Grant thirty ((ouiids to pay 
for Schooling 

Vot'd to ailjourn till tomorrow at twelve 
O'clock 

At a meeting pursuant to the above 
adjoummeiii 

Vot'd To empower the Assessors to 
Assess a Sum on the Inhabitants of this 
town which shall be sufficient to pay the 
Bills that liave heen read & accepted 

Vot'd To empower the Assessors to 
Assess a sum on the Inhabitants of this 
town which shall he sufficient to pay the 
Rev'd David Parsons his salary untill the 
annual meeting of the Inhahitants of this 
town in March next 

Vot'd to improve English Schoolmasters 
only — Vot'd — That the conduct of the 
Rf-v'd David Parsons is not friendly with 
regard to the Common Cause 

Vot'd To Choose a Committee to in- 
inforni M'r Parsons of the preceeding 
vote 

Vot'd That D'n Clarke, D'n Edwards, 
Joseph Williams, Moses Dickinson Esq,r 
and Elijah Baker be the Committee 

Vot'd That the Treasurer be Directed 
to Collect tiM moiiev Due to the town to 
procure a town stock of Ammunition 
Attest Joseph Wilhajis Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Amherst March 24th 1777 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



71 



Viited, Joseph EHStman Moderator 

Voted Nath'l Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Clerk and Town Treasurer 

Voted, Moses Dickinson Esq'r, John 
Billing, Capt Reuben Dickinson Elijah 
Baker, Josph Williams Select-men 

Vi't'd Moses Dickinson Esq'r John 
Billing, Nath'l Dickinson Jun'r Assesors. 

Voted, John Billing, Cap't Rnuhen 
Dickinson, Elijah Baker, Natli'l Dickin- 
son Jiin James Merrick, J >seph Williams, 
Joseph Dickinson he the Coniinittee of 
Correspondence Inspection & Safety 

Voted, Martin Kellogg and Moses Dick- 
inson Jun'r Constables 

Voted, Henry J. Franklin, Eben'r East- 
man, Ezra Rood, Timothy Green Jun'r 
David Blodgett, D'n Simeon Clarke Sur- 
veyors of Highways 

Voted, Oliver Cowls, Cliiiiab Smith, 
Enos Coleman, Elijah Hastings Ty thing- 
men 

Vote<l, Eben'r Mattoon, Eli-<lia Ingram, 
Simeon Dickinson, Edward Smith Reuben 
Ingram Wardens. — Voted Simeon Peck 
Jun'r Eliliu Hubbard Nath'l Dickinson 2d 
Ezra Rood, Isaac Goodale Jun'r Hog- 
reeves 

Vot'd Josepli Dickinson, Enos Coleman 
Fence Viewers — Vot'd L't Thomas Hast 
ings Sealer of Leather — Vot'd Joseph 
Church Surveyor of Lumber 

Voted, to adjourn to Wednesday next 
one O'clock Afternoon — At a meeting 
pursuant to the above ailjournment. Voted, 
to repair the Hitjhways by a rate — 

Voted, to Grant forty Pounds in addi- 
tion to what was not expended of the last 
highway rate for tiie repair of ways the 
present year— Voted — To allow two shil- 
lings & eight pence for work in summer 
and two shilltngs for work in the fall — 
Voted — That if any Person refuse to work 
his proportion of the Assessment tor the 
repair of Heii^hways, the Assessors be em- 
powered to issue their Warrant to the Sur- 
veyor to Collect the nioney of such Delin- 
quent. Vot'd to empower the Assessors 



to Assess the sum of forty pound on the 
inliabitaTits of this town to repair the pub- 
lick roads — Voted That the surveyors 
first call upon those to work who Did not 
Pay the whiile of the last Assessment for 
the repair of Highways 

Attest Joseph Eastman Moderator 

At a Towti Meeting Holden at Amherst 
the 21st Day of April 1777 Capt Eli Par- 
ker Chosen Moderator — 

Voted — To accept the Nomination made 
by the Select men of Amherst for filling 
the Juror Boxes for the Superior & Infe- 
rior Courts 

Attest Eli Parker Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Amherst holden there on the 26th Day of 
June 1777 

Voted Moses Dickinson Esq'r Modera- 
tor — Voted Eben'r Mattoon, Joseph Wil- 
liams, Henry J. Franklin, Jonathan Dick- 
inson Jun'r, & Hezekiah Belding be a 
Committee to prosecute Breaches of the 
regulating Act 

Voted. To Adjnurn this meeting to Mon 
day ye 7th Day of July next at 4 o'Clock 
P. M. 

July 7th Being met according to Ad- 
journment the Select men exhibited to the 
Town a List of the Names of Such Per- 
sons as ihey supposed to be Inimical to 
the Interest of the United States (viz) L't 
John Field, Eiien'r Boltwood, IsHac Good- 
ale, William Boltwood 

Voted To Adjourn this meeting to tues- 
diiy \ 'e 15tli Day of July next at I'o Clock 
afternoon July 15'th. lieing met accord- 
ing to Adjournment. Voted that L't 
John Fiel,d's natne be erased from the list 
laid before the town by the Select men- 
Voted. To reconsider the last preceeding 
vote — Voted. Elijah Baker procure and 
lay before the Court the Evidence that 
may he had against the Persons thought 
Inimical by the town — Voted. To Adjourn 
this meeting to Teusday the 12th Day of 
August next at I'o Clock afternoon 



72 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



August 12'tli being met accordins: to 
Adjouniiiient 

Voted — tliHt L't John Field's Name be 
struck out of tlie List 

Voted that Eben'r Boitwood's Name 
be struck out of the list 

Vi>ied — that Isaac Goodale'.s Name be 
struck out of the list 

Voted — that William Boitwood's Name 
be struck out of the list 

Attest MosKS Dickinson Moderator 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Ainlierst January y'e 12'th 1778 

Voted — Crip't Reuben Dickinson Mod- 
erator 

Voted to accept the Bills as read and 
correctted 

Voted — That tlie Assei'sors be empower- 
ed to Assess a sum of money on the In- 
habitants of this town sufficient to pay tiie 
Bills that are accepted as also to Pay M'r 
Parsons liis Salary for the year past and 
to pay what was not paid him for his Sal- 
ary ending with April 1777 

Voted. To allow twelve shillings P'r 
Hundred feet of two inch oak plank 

Voted. To Grant fifty pounds to su|>p()rt 
tlie schools 

Voted — that the Assessors make the 
town n;te by the last list taken 
Attest 

Reuben Dickinson Moderator 
At a Letful meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Amherst March y'e ll'th 1778 

Voted M'r John Billings Moderator — 
Voted. To consider the second Article in 
the Warrant — Voted — That Persons uot 
owning Independance on the Crown of 
Great Britain agreeable to the Declaration 
of Congress shall not vote — Voted. Nath'l 
Dickinson Jun'r Town Clerk and town 
Treasurer — Voted. Moses Dickinson Esq'r 
Joseph Williams, Cap't Ruben Dickinson 
Elijah Baker, John Billing Select men — 
Voted. John Billing, Elijah Baker Moses 
Dickinson E-q'r Assessors — Voted — Jo 
seph Williams, Cap't Reuben Dickinson. 



EHj ill Maker, Joseph Dickinson, Josiah 
Warner, L't Ehen'r Matoon, John Billing 
Conmiittee of Correspondence &c. 

Voted. David Blodget & Henry J.Frank- 
lin Constables 

Voted. Stephen Smith, Waitstill Dick- 
inson, Simeon Peck, Daniel Kellogg Jun'r 
Noali Smith, Ezra Rood Surveyors of 
Highways 

Voted — Oliver Clapp, Joseph Dickin- 
son, Joel Moody, Simeon Peck Tything- 
men — Voted L't Thomas Hastings Sealer 
of Leather 

Voted John Ingram, James Hendrick, 
Deer re* ves 

V ited — Noadiah Smith, Enos Cowls, 
Elijah Baker Jun'r Azariah Dickinson 2'd 
Simeon Peck Jun'r Paul Newton, Aaron 
Dickinson Hogreeves 

Voted — Timothy Green, Eben'r Mattoon 
Fence viewers 

Voted, that the Select men proportion 
the money Due on the Highway rate to 
the surveyors for the present year 

Attest John Billing Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the town of Amherst November 14th 1777 

Voted Mr John Billing Moderator. 

Voted to Grant fifty Pounds for the 
purpose of maintaining schools the current 
year 

Attest John Billing Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
ot the Town of Amherst March 26th 1778 

Voted Moses Dickinson Esq'r Modera- 
tor 

Voted Enos Dickinson Constable 

Voted. To release Lemuel Moodey from 
collecting the whole of the rates assessed 
on Oliver Smith for the year 1776 — V-Jted 
— To reimburse to Lemuel Moodey the 
sum of four Dollars for a Counterfeit Bill 
received by him in part for a rate collect- 
ed by him — Voted — To allow six sl;illings 
P'r Day for work Done at Heighways the 
preceeding year — Voted to adjourn ot 
thursday the 16th Day of April next at 
Nine o'Clock forenoon 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



73 



April IGtIi 1778. Then being met 
accordiiifr to ailjouniment — Voted — To 
C^iDose a Committee to seat the meeting 
liouse; Tliat said Committee Consist of 
seven : Tliat Elij ill Baker L't Tlio's Hast- 
ings Cap't Reuben Dickinson Cap't. Eli 
Parker John Billing, Jonath'n Dickinson 
Jun'r and Natli'll Dickinson Juii'r be the 
Committee aforesaid — Voted — That the 
Committee proceed according to Age, 
Estate & Qualifications. 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the town of Amherst April 30tli 1778 

Voted Moses Dickinson Esq'r Modera- 
tor — Voted To except of the Nomination 
made by the Select men for Jurymen — 
Voted — That swine Yoked & ring'd ac- 
cording to Law he allowed to run at lar^e 
— Voted. To Leave it to the Select men of 
Amherst to agree with the Select men of 
Leverett for the S;-ttlement of the Line 
Between Amherst & Leverett by leaving 
it to indifferent men from the Neighbour- 
ing Towns 

Attest Moses Dickinson Moderator j 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Amherst September 4ih 1770 
Voted Elijah Baker Moderator — 
Voted Isaac Hubbard and Nath'll Dick- 
inson 2'd Collectors of Taxes — 

Voted. That tiie Select men Prosecute 
an Appeal from a Judgment of the Infer- 
ior Court in favour of Simeon Strong 
against David Blodget — and prefer a Peti- 
tion to the General Assembly respecting 
the same 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Amherst Nov'r 5tli 1778 

Voted John Billing Moderator. — Voted. 
To Grant one hundred pounds for the use 
and maintenance of schools— Voted — That 
the Persons who send scholars shall pro- 
vide wood for the scliools — Voted — That 
the Select men be empowered to Draw 
money out of the town treasury to Defray 
the expence they have been at or may be 
at in Defending a suit brought against 
David Blodget by M'r Simeon Strong — 



Voted — That the Town is Desirous to 
h ive a new Constitution formed — Voted — 
That the Committee of Correspondence &c 
of this Town confer with the Committees of 
the Neighbouring Towns respecting calling 
a County Convention to consider some 
method to procure a Constitution 

Attest John Billing Moderator 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Amiierst Nov'r 1778 

Voted Elijah Baker Moderator— Voted 
that the Select men build a House for the 
Use of the Poor of this Town of such big- 
ness and in such place as they shall Judge 
fit— Voted— Tliat a school be kept three 
iiionihs at the North School house also 
three months in the west Street in the 
Northern part of the Town the ensuing 
winter — 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Dec'r 28th 1778 

Voted M'r John Billing Moderator- 
Voted — To give fifteen shillings P'r Day 
for work Done in the summer season — 
Voted — To give twelve shillings P'r Day 
for work Done in the fallsei son — Voted— 
To give Seven Dollars P'r Hundred feet 
of Oak Plank— Voted— To allow the Asses- 
sors three Dollars P'r Day for making 
rates— Voted— An adilition of five shillings 
P'r Day to (he Assessors for taking the 
valuation List— Voted— to Allow the Bills 
as read & corrected — Voted— To empower 
the Assessors to assess a sum on the In- 
habitants of this town sufficient. to pay the 
Debts allowed, and ihe Rev'd David Par- 
sons his yearly Salary— Vott-d-To Grant 
the sum of One hundred & sixty six jiounds 
for the maintenance of schools and to em- 
power the Assessors to Assess the same on 
the Inhabitants of this town — Vpted— To 
choose a Committee to take some meas- 
ures for Annexing the first Division 
of Inner Commons in the Town of 
Hadley to the town of Amherst — 
Voted— That Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r 
Joseph Eastman and Capt Parker be the 
Committee — and report their Doings at 



74 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



the ne-xt meeting — Voted — To empower 
tlie S^-lfC't men to Draw eigliteen pounds 
out of ihe Town Treasury to Defrays 
cliargHS in the Town — Voted — Tliat the 
Select men Draw fifteen pound'* out of tlie 
Treasury for ch;iry;es arisen in said town 
A'test John Billing Moderator 

At a Leaal nie.-tin^ of tlie Inliabi'ants 
of the Town of Amherst January 7tli 1779 

V..n.,l — Elijali B .ker Moderator— Voted 
— 'I'har the money raised for the use of 
Sc'liiioliiiy; in the North part of tliis 'I'own 
be ex endeii in the North School lii-use — 
Votetl — To hear the Petition of Josepli 
Boles and choose a Committee to view 
the Land petitioned for by liim and report 
at the next town meeting — Voted — Cap't 
Dickinson; Joseph Eastman, Hezekiali 
Belding a Committee for tlie purpose above 
mentioned — Voted — That Capt Dickinson 
go to Hadley and exaniine the record* 
concerning the Grant of the Priviledtjes of 
the stream near Clarkes mill to certain 
Persons and make report at next March 
meeting — Voted — To adjourn the present 
meeting to Thirsd'iy next at one O'Olock 
afternoon to nieei at the meeting house — 
Beintr met according to Adjournment — 
Voted — To ratify all votes passed at a 
meeting on the tw my eighth Day of De 
cember 1778— Voted — That Ehen'r Mat- 
toi>n be added to a Committee on Josepii 
Boles's petition 

On tlie report of Capt Dickinson — Voted 
— That the Town of Amherst hath a riaht 
to the Stream and Privileges on Fort 
River where Clarke's and other Mills now 

stand » 

Attest Elijah Baker Moderator 



Joseph E-istinan's Mark for Cattle and 
Sheep is — a Crop on the Near ear and a 
Slit on the ton of the off ear — 



At a Legal meetinu of the Inhabitants of 
the town of Amherst March 8th 1779 

Voted — Joseph Williams Moderator — 
Voted Naih'll Dickinson Jun'r Clerk & 
Treasurer — Voted — To Adjourn for the 



space of one hour — Met according to ad- 
journment — Voted — James Merrick, Nath'- 
II Dickinson jun'r, Joseph Dickinson, 
Josi:i.'i Warner L't Eben'r Mattoon jun'r 
Select men — Voted — Nath'll Dickinson 
jun'r James Merrick D'n Simeon Clarke 
Assessors — Voted — Isaacs Iluhbard & John 
Penis Constables — Voted — Maj'r Nath'll 
Peck, Timothy Green, Henry J. Franklin 
Gideon Handerson L't Eben'r Mattoon 
C mittee ot Correspondence &c — Voted 
— Stephen Cole, Ezra Rood, Oliver Cowls, 
Thiuiias Ba:»coni, Thoma'* Hastings Jun'r 
Suiveycirs of Highways — Voted — Elisha 
South, Alex'r Smith Jonathan Dickinson 
J .or Simeon Clarke Jun'r Tythiiignien — 
Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Ehenezer 
M iit.H.ii Jun'r Waitstill Dickinson, Joel 
Billing, Thomas Bascom, Simeon Elmore, 
Isaac Marshall, Ho^reeves — Voted — Joel 
Moody & Martin Kellogg Deer reeves — 
Voted — L't Thomas Hastings Sealer 'of 
Leather — Voted — Oliver Cowls and Timo- 
thy Green fence viewers — Voted — Oiver 
Clapp Collector of Taxes — Voted — That 
the Surveyors of Highways c;ill on people 
to work at highways and lay their accounts 
before the Town at their meeting in Jan- 
uary next for allowance — Voted — To ad- 
journ to Monday next at one O'Clock 
afternoon---Met according to adjournment 
— Voted — To Choose a Committee to write 
to the Town ot Hadley respeciing annex- 
ing a certain Tract ol Land (^Lying in 
Hadley and adjoining to the town of 
Amherst) to the Town of Amherst — Voted 
— Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r L't Eben'r Mat- 
toon Jun'r Maj'r NaUi'll Peck be the Com- 
mittee — Voted — That said Committee be 
Directed to inform the Town of Hadley 
that in case the whole of one Division of 
Lots lying in Hadley ami adj ining to the 
Town of Amherst and being North of D'n 
Clarkes South Line is annexed to the 
Town of Amherst the' town of Amherst 
will maintain all roads and Bridges within 
the bi>unds of S'd Land — Voted — That the 
Committee heretofore chosen to view the 



Records op Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



75 



Larnl petitii)ne(l for l»y Joseph Boles be 
Directed to consider tlie matter further 
and report >it tlie next meeting — Voted— 
D'n SimeDii Clarke, Elijaii Baker & Gid- 
eon Handerson be a Committee to view 
the Land Petitioned for by Cwpt Eli Par- 
ker and make report at the next meeting — 
Voted — Tliai Joseph fi^Mstman, Maj'r 
Nath'll Peck, L't John Dickinson be ap- 
pointed to prosecute all Breaches of the 
Act to prevent Monopoly and Forestallinii 
— Voted — To Build a house for tlie Poor 
of the Town of the same Bigness as the 
foundation already laid for that purpose 
near Clarkes mill — 

Voted — To set said House in Cowls 
Lane ^M called — Voted — H./.ikiali Beld- 
ing, Eben'r Dickinson, Jonathan Dickin- 
son Jun'r Cap't Eli Parker and Elijali 
Buker be a Committee to build said liouse 
— V — That I he Select men be Direct- 
ed to procure a sum of money on Inter- 
est or oili. rwise to pay Maj'r Naih'll Peck 
for Boarding Moses Hawley & wife accord- 
ing to the Agreement of former Select 
men — Voted — That the Select men be 
Directed to pr(jcure money on Interest and 
agree with and Pay Simeon Peck for 
Boarding Eunice Hawley 

Joseph Williams Moderator 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Nown of Amherst March 29th 1779 
Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moder- 
ator — Voted — Waitstill Dickinson & Oli- 
ver Clapp C(nistKbles — Voted — Simeon 
Dickinson and John Injfram Surveyors of 
Highways — Voted — To Grant the sum of 
three Hundred Pounds for tiie support of 
tlie Poor of the town and replace money 
taken out of the Treasury and that the 
assessors tie empowered to assess the 
same on the Iidiabitants of this Town — 

Voted — To Discontinue the Highway 
two rods in widtli in front of Cap't Par- 
kers Barn and from thence running Nortli- 
erly & Southerly on an Angle to the east 
side of the Heighway so far as to contain 
twenty rods of ground ; and grant the 



same to Cap't E i Parker — Voted — To 
Discontinue tiie Highway where Joseph 
Boles's tan yard now is three yards in 
widtii and six rods in length and grant the 
same to Joseph Boles he paving the value 
of the same — Voted — To Discontinue a 
part of the Highway at the east end of 
Eben'r Mattoons Lot four rods in « idth 
and sixteen rods in lengtli and grant tiie 
same to Joseph Boles he paying the value 
thereof 

Ai .-I Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Modera- 
tor 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst May 17th 1779 

Voted. That they cliuse at this time 
to have a new Con-titution or Form of 
Gi)veriiineiit maile — Voted— -That they 
will impower their Representative for the 
next year to vote for the calling a State 
Convention for tlie sole purpose of form- 
ing a new Constitutio i 

Voted— To accept the List of Persons 
to serve as Petit Jur..rs l.id before the 
town by the Select men 

Attest Eben'r Mattoon Jun'r Modera- 
tor 

At a Legal meeting of tlie Inhabitants 
ot the Town of Anih.Tst July 12ih 1779 

Voted Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moder- 
ator After the Duo Consideration of 
tlie Proceedings of the Inhabiiants 
of the Town of Boston— M'r Eben'r 
Mai toon Jun'r was chosen to rep- 
resent this Town in a State Convention to 
be liolden at Concord the 1-lth instant 
Attest Nath'll Dickinson Juti'r Mod- 
erator 

At a Legal meeting of the Iidiahitants 
of the Town of Amherst August 9tli 1779 

Voted L't Eben'r Mattoon Jun'r Mod- 
erator — Voted — To cliuse a Committee to 
consider the Doings of a State Convention 
Begun ai'd held at Concord on tiie 14tli 
Day of July last. Said Committee to re- 
port to this nieetinif at the time to which 
it slull Adjourn — Voted — Cap't Reuben 
Dickinson, Elijah Baker, John Billing, 



76 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Mosfs Dickinson Esq'r Oiileon HKiider- 
son. Heznkiah Belding & Nath'U Dickin- 
son Jun'r be the Committee aforesaid — 
Voted — That John Billing, D'n Simeon 
Clarke Cap't Eli Park-r, .Joseph Eastman, 
Eben'r Mattoon be a Corurnittee to Con- 
verse witli the Rev'il David Parsons re- 
specting a settlement with him for all 
monies Due to him from this town on or 
before the first Day of May 1779 said Com 
mittee to report to tliis meetinaf at the 
lime to whicli it shall adjourn — Voted. 
To Grant L't Ehen'r Mattoon Jun'r forty 
Pounds for his expence and service in 
attending a State Convention at Concord 
on the 14rth Day of July last — Voted. To 
Adjourn to Teu^day the 17th Instant at 3 
O'clock afternoon 

August 17th 1779 Being met according to 
Adjournment-Voted-That Elijah Baker be 
appointed to carry on the Suit commenced 
against David Blodtiet by Simeon Strong 
— Voted, That the Treasurer be Directed 
to Tender to M'r Parsons the Nominal 
Sum Due to him for Salary 
Attest Eben'r Mattoon Jn'r Moderator 

At A Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst October 21^t 
1779 

Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r being appoint- 
ed Moderator — Voted — To Grant the sum 
of four Imiidred and tliirty four pounds 
ten sliillings to replace money taken out of 
the Treasury to Pay Bounties & Mileage 
to soldiers and that the Assessors be 
Directed to assess the same and order it 
Paid into tlie Treasury immediately — 
Voted — To Chuse a Committee of Nine to 
Determine how many Schools shall be 
kept in Town the present year and at what 
places — voted. That Nath'll Dickinson 
Jun'r James Merrick Josiah Warner D'n 
Clarke Moses Dickinson E^q'r Cap't Reu- 
ben Dickinson L't Hastings be the Com- 
mittee afores'd 

Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moder- 
ator 

At a Lf-gal Meeting of the Inhabitants 



of the Town of Amherst January 3d 1780 
Voted. L't Eben'r Mattoon Moderator — 
Voted to Adjourn to the house of Elisha 
Ingram — Voted — To adjourn the meeting 
to tliursday the 6th instant at 12 O'Clock 
ill the morninfi^ then to meet at the meet- 
ing-house ; Being met according to Ad- 
journment — Voted — To adjourn to tiie 
house of Elisha Ingram — Voted To allow 
two shillings and six pence p'r Day for 
work Done at Highways in summer and 
two shillings p'r Day for work Done at 
Highways in the fall and spring the said 
sums t') be Doubled twenty four for one, 
Also to allow twenty four for one for all 
Deiits examined and accepted by the 
Town — Voted — That the Selectmen set- 
tle with Aaron Warner for sounding the 
Conque and sweeping the meeting house 
— Voted — To Allow the Debts as read and 
corrected — Voted — To adjourn to tliurs- 
day next at Nine O'Clock in the morning 
to meet at the meeting house 

Being met according to Adjournment 
voted to adjourn to the house of Maj'r 
Wales — Voted — To Grant the sum of 
fourteen hundred Pounds for supporting 
schools — The Committee heretofore ap- 
pointed to Determine how many schools 
shall be kept in the Town of Amherst and 
at what places, Report as follows (viz) 
That there be six schools kept in said 
Town, that is to say, one in the west 
street in the Northern part of the town ; 
one in tlie street leading from Ezra Roods 
to Andrew Kimbals; one at each school 
house in or near the Middle of the town; 
one in the west street at the southern part 
of the town : one in the school house at 
the southern part of the Town. — Where- 
upon voted — To accept the report of said 
Committee with this alteration that the 
school ordered to be kept in the street 
leading from Ezra Rood's to Andrew Kim- 
hal's be kept at Samuel Henry's the pres- 
ent year — Voted — That the Assessors be 
empowered to Assess a sum on the Inhab- 
itants of this Town sufficient to pay the 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 171 



Debts allowed nnd M'r Parsons his usuhI 
salary and fourteen Immlred pounds for 
the support of scliools — Voted — That tliere 
be eighteen months schoDling in town tiie 
present yeiir — Voted — Tliat L't John 
Dickinson, Moses Dickinson E^q. and 
Timothy Green be a Committee to view 
the Land petitioned for by Daniel Church 
and report at March meeting — Voted to 
allow the Constables for Counterfeit mon- 
ey — Voted-— Tliat Gideon Dickinson, Julin 
Billing, C'lp't Eli Parker James Merrick 
am] El)en'r Mat'0(«n be a Coninntti-e to 
Confer with the Rev'd David PHrsons re- 
specting a settlement with him for the 
monies Due to him frooi tlie town. 
Attest Eben'r Mattoox Jun'r Moderator 

At a Leiial meeiing ut the Inhaliiianis 
of the Town of Amherst Jatiu;iry 13ih 
17S0 

Voted — M'r John Billing Moderator — 
. Voted — That the Select men Prefer a Pe- 
tition lo the General Court praying that 
the time appointed fir the payment of the 
Tax last granted by said Court may be 
postponed two months — Voted — That M'r 
Abraham Hill be prohibited from Preach- 
ing in this Town in future and that Cnp't 
Dickinson, Nath'll Dickinson Jn'r & James 
Merrick be a CommiUee to write to him 
concerning the matter 

Attest 

Nathan Dickinson Jun'r his Mark for 
Cattle and Sheep 

A Crop of from the off Ear two half 
Penny's on the same ear one on the upper 
the other on the under side 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst March SOtli 1780 
f Alexander Smith chosen Moderator, 

the following votes passed 

Voted. Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Clerk and Town Treasurer — voted — Cap't 
Eli Parker, L't Tim's Hastings, Alexander 
Smith, Jonathan Dickinson and Martin 
Kellogg, Select-men — voted — Nath'll Dick- 
inson Jun'r Hezekiali Belding and Elisha 
Sniitii Assessors — voted — Timothy Green 



Jun'r Thomas Bascom and Ebenezer 
Dickinson 2'd Constables — voted — Gideon 
Dickinson, Ezra Rood Nathan Dickinson 
Jun' John Field Jun'r Enos Coleman and 
Joel Moody, Surveyors — voted — Samuel 
Hastings, llezekiah Belding, John Mor- 
ton Jn'r — Elijah Hastings, Isaac Goodale 
and Ji)iiathan Smith, Titliingmen — voted — 
Oiver Cowls anil Enos Coleman, Fence 
viewers — voted — Julm Morton Jn'r and 
Elisha Smith Sealers of Leather — vnted — 
Joseph Church Surveyor of Lumoei — 
voted — Tho's Hastings Jn'r &Nu!iii Smith 
D'-er reeves — vntt-d — Israel Dickinson 
Z icheriah Hawley, Simeon Cowls, M ses 
Warner, Benjamin Smiih H'lgre' ve^ — ■ 
Voted — Tliat the Surveyors lay an acuoiint 
betore the Town at their meeting in J»iii- 
uary next for ailownnce of all woik Done 
in their respectivf Districts, ami that tli.-re 
be allowed to those Persons who sludl 
work at Highways ihe Common price of 
labor at tiie time they shall work-r-vutt-d — ' 
To Pay Mr David Parsons three sahirieg 
(which will be Due to him the flist Day of 
May next) in Silver together with the 
inierest and that the Assessors assess the 
same seperate from all other Taxes — 
voted — Cap't Ell Parker, Gideon Dickin- 
son & Hezekiah Beldinti be a Commiitee 
to view the Land petitioned lor by Zach- 
eriah Hawley and report to the next m^-et- 
mg — voted — Moses Dickinson Esq Nath'll 
Coleman and Asaliel Moody be a Commit- 
tee to view the land petitioned for ny 
Aaron Warner and report to the next 
meeiing — voted — That the Committee ap- 
pointed to view the Land petitioned for 
by Daniel Church report to the next m.-et- 
ing — Voted— To Grant Maj'r Nath'll Peck 
his part of the schoolmoney — voted — To 
Grant Wailstill Dickinson one Hundred 
Dollars lor Counterfeit money received 
by him for Taxes -voted — ^To Grant six 
hundred pounds for the use of the poor of 
the Town and the Assessors are empower- 
ed to assess the same 

Alex'r Smith Moderator 



78 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



At a Lejjal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town ..f Amherst April 20th 1780 

Cap't Eli Parker chosen Moderator — 
the following votes passed — 

Voted — To Discontinue that part of the 
Higliway hereafter mentioned and Grant 
tiie same to Daniel Cliurch on Condition 
that said Church give security for the 
Payment of fourteen Bushels of Rie for 
tile use of tlie Town — (viz) Beginning at 
the south east corner of Samuel Church's 
lot, thence Nortli 32 deg east 36 rods, 
thence north 22 deg east 20 rods, tlience 
North 10 deg east 21 rods and half, tlience 
west 10 deg north 10 rods, to said Church's 
east Line, tlience South 15 deg west to tlie 
first mentioned corner, containing three 
acres and seventy nine rods of ground — 
voted — To Discontinue the Highway 
staked cut by the C'unmittee for Zacheriah 
Hawley and Grant the same to said Haw- 
ley on Condition tliat said Hawley give 
security for the payment of ten Bushels of 
Indian Corn for tlie use of the town — 
voted — To Discontinue the Higliway 
(viz) twenty three rods of Ground at the 
rear Aaron Warner's Lot and Grant the 
same to said Hawley on Conditon that he 
give security for the payment of seven 
Bushels and an half of Indian Corn for the 
use of the town — voted — To repair the 
Doors, windows, seats, underpinning and 
Plastering of the meeting iiouse 

The Question being put whether the 
town will be at any further charge respect- 
ing the suit between Strong & Blodget, 
passed in the Negative —voted — To accept 
the List of Jurors laid before the town by 
the Select men 

Attest Eli Parker Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitantg 
of the Town of Amherst — June 15th 1780 — 

Voted Natli'U Dickinson Jun'r Modera- 
tor 

Voted To Grant the sum of five Hun- 
dred Pounds for the support of the Poor 
of the Town and for Repairing the Meet- 
ing House and that the Assessors Assess 



the same and order paid immediately into 
the Town Treasury — Voted. To Grant 
Waitstill Dickinson Ninety Dollars re- 
ceived by liim in Counterfeit money re- 
ceived by him for Taxes — Voted — That 
Simeon Dickinson, Cap't Reuben Dickin- 
son, Nath'll Dickinson Jr Cap't Eli Par- 
ker, Mnses Dickinson Esq John Billing 
and Gideon Handerson be a Committee to 
seat the meeting house 
Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jr Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst on Monday the 
fourth Day of September Anno Domini 
1780 

Votes were brought in for a Governer 
as follows — viz — 

The Hon'ble John Hancock Esq'r For- 
ty three 

The Hon'ble James Bowdoin Esq'r 
eight 

Votes for a Lieutenant Governor as 
follows — viz. 

The Hon'ble James Warren Esq forty 
Nine 

The Hon'ble Artemas Ward Esq'r three 

Votes for Senators as follows — viz — 

Joseph Hawley Esq'r forty seven 

John Bliss Esq. forty four 

David Smead Esq. forty four 

Samuel Mather Esq'r thirteen 

Noaii Goodman Esq'r Nine 

John Billing — twenty four 

John Hastings E-^q four 

Elisha Ingram one 

John Chester Williams Esq two 

Nathan Dickinson Jr two 

David Sexton E«q two 

Caleb Strong E^q'r two 

Eleazer Porter Esq'r two 

Eli Parker ] Select men 

Jonathan Dickinson j and 

Thomas Hastings I Town 

Alex'r Smith j Clerk 

Martin Kellogg | of 

N ath 'll Dickinson Jr j Amherst 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Oct'r 16. 1780 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



79 




Natiril Dickinson Jun'r was chosen 
Representative 

Voted. To Grant the sum of Ten thou- 
sand Pounds to pay for Beef agreeable to 
a Resolve of tlie General Court of Sep'r 
25tli 1780 and that the assessors be Direct- 
ed tu assess the same on the Inhabitants 
ot this Town immediately and Order the 
same Paid accoidiiitc in saii R> solve — 
Voted — M'r John Billing Maj'r Nath'U 
Peck & Cap't David Rich be a Committee 
to procure the Beef ordered by the Re- 
solve aforewaid 

Eli Parker 
Alex'r Smith 
Attest Tho's Hastings 

Jon'th Dickinson Jn'r 
Martin Kellogg 

At H Le^al meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the District of Amherst Dec'r 4tli 1780 

M'r John iiilnnti Cliosen Moderator 

V • e<i. To raise three Hundred Pounds 
to maintain Schools — Voted — that there 
be six schools set up in the same places 
where tliey were kept the last year — Voted 
— Tliat each school be kept three months 
— Voted — To accept the report of the 
Committee appointed to purchase Beel 
and Discharge said Committee 

Attest John Billing Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Dec'r 18th 1780 

Nath'U Dickinson Jun'r was chosen 
Moderator 

Voted — To appoint a Committee to en- 
quire and report to the town how and in 
what manner soldiers may be best pro- 
cured to serve in the Continental Army 
for three years or During the war — Voted, 
That Cap't Parker, Cap't Dickinson L't 
Hastings, L't Smith, L't Aaron Dickinson, 
John Billing, Elijah Baker Moses Dick- 
inson Esq'r be a Committee for the purpose 
above»aid — Voted — That it is tiie opinion 
of this Town that the Tender Act shall 
not be repealed — Voted — That Cap't Par- 
ker, John Billing Elijah Baker L't Mat- 
toon L't Hastings, Nath'U Dickinson Jun'r 



and Joseph Dickinson be a^Committee to 
seat the meeting house that said Commit- 
tee proceed according to 'a^e Estate and 
qualitications and report at next January 
meeting 

Voted, To adjourn to thursday the 28th 
Instant at one O'Clock afternoon 

Being met according to adjournment — 
The following Report of the Committee 
was read and accepted (viz) That the 
Town will give to each soldier that shall 
inlist for this town for three years or Dur- 
ing the war the sum of three pounds hard 
money P'r month the Town to receive 
their wages or in Liew thereof the town 
will give to each soldier that shall inlist 
as atores'd forty shillings p'r month in 
hard money in addition to their Continen- 
tal Pay; also that the Town will give each 
soldier that shall inlist as afores'd two 
shirts, two Pairs (.f stockings and two 
pairs of shoes yearly in case he fails of the 
same from the Continent or State and the 
Town Direct the Militia Officers to make 
the above proposals to their respective 
Companies in the name of the town — Vot- 
ed. To Grant Maj'r Nath'U Peck and 
Simeon Peck their proportion of the 
money granted for schooling 
Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jn'r Modera- 
tor 



Isaac Marshal's Mark for Cattle and 
Sheep A Crop on the left Ear and a Swal- 
lows Tail on the right Ear 



At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Amherst — Dec'r 28th 1780 

Nah'll Dickinsou Jnr was chosen 
Moderator — Voted To allow those Persons 
who hired men to go into the Army for 
six or three months the summer past the 
several sums by the[m] advanced as a 
Bounty or Hire to said men— Voted — 
That the said Bounties or Hires be allow- 
ed at the rate of fifty Dollars p'r bustiel 
for rie— Voted— To allow each Person the 



80 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



whole sum by him advanced or engaged 
to the soldiers afbrfsniil and sucli of ihera 
as are to receive tiie soldiers wages shall 
Pay the same to the Treasurer of this 
Town — Voted. To Giant the SUM! ot four 
Hundred & sixty Pounds New (^urrency 
to procure Beef and Grain accordintj to a 
resolve of the General Court of die 4ih of 
December instant — Tiiat the assessors 
assess the afores'd sum of £460 on the In- 
habitants of this Town — Voted — That 
John Billintf Moses Dickinson Esq'r and 
Cap't Parker be a Connnittee to procure 
the Beef and Grjiin aforesaid — Voted — 
TliHt Eben'r Mattomi, Elien'r Dickinson 
and Moses Conke be a Committee to view 
the L>ind Petitioned U>r i y J lel iiilling 
and report at the next March meeting 
Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jur Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of tne Inhabitants of 
Amherst January 8lh 1781 — Cap't Eli 
Parker «as chosen M "I • or 

Voted, To allow the Debts a^ read and 
corrected, and that the Assessors be em- 
powered to assess a sum on the Inhabitants 
of this Town sufficient to Pay the same — 
Voted. To allow three Shillings P'r Da\ 
for work done in summer ami tw.) Shillings 
P'r Day for work dnie in the fall — Voted, 
To allow three shillings P'r Day to the 
assessors — Voted, To allow nine shillings 
P'r hundred tcir two inch o>ik Plank — 
voted — To accept the report of the C 'in- 
mittee for seating the meetiog house — 
voted — i' < .oi|Onrti the meeting to thurs- 
day next at one O'Clock afternoon — Being 
met according to adjournment — voted — 
That the Select men should take part of 
the money raised for schoiding to Pay 
Debts contracted for the support of the 
Poor — Voted — To appropriate the remain- 
der of the money raised to procure Beef, 
to Pay for the Horses purchased for the 
C Miiiiient 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst March 19th 1781 

Major Nath'll Peck was chosen Moder- 
ator 



Voted — John Billing, EliJMh Baker, 
Isnac Hubbard, Gideon Hamlerson and 
Moses Dickinson Esq'r. Select men — 
Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jiin'r Town 
Clerk and Town Preasurer — Voted — John 
Billing, Moses I )iekinson Esq'r ami Nath'll 
Dickitison Jun'r Assessors — Voted — John 
Ingram, L't Aaron Dickinson and Nath'll 
Alex r Smith Constables — Voted — Tinu)- 
thy Green Jun'r Simeon Clark Jn'r Me- 
(iad Diekinson, Josiah Warner and Asahel 
Moody Tytliingmen — voted — John Billing, 
Martin Kellogg and Oliver Clapp Church 
Wardens-voted-Nathan Dickinson Jun'r, 
Stephen Cole, Nath'll Dickinson 2d, Ezra 
Iluod Jonathan Dickinson Jn'r and Ruben 
Ingram Surveyors ut Highways — voted — 
John Billing ami Jo epU DicKi sun Deer 
Reeves 

voted L't Tlio's Hastings Sealer of 
Leather 

voted — Joseph Church Surveyor ot 
Lumber 

Voted — Nath'll Coleman and Abner 
Ailams Fence viewers 

Voted — Ambrose Williams, Zacheriah 
Ha^ley, Abner Adams, Tnnotiii Smi.li, 
Giles Church, John Field Jun'r Samuel 
Smith, Noadiah Warner and Jacob War- 
ner Jr Hot; reeves — Voied — That Daniel 
Kellogg, Dea'ii Edwards and L't Hastings 
be a Committee to view the Land petition- 
ed tor by Noah Dickinson and report what 
is proper to be done — Voted — To Discon- 
tinue a jiart ot the Highway at the trout 
of Joel Billing's Lot, beginning a. the 
northwest corner ot said Lot and extend- 
ing Six rods in width and thirty rods in 
lengiii and grant the same to Joel Billing 
on Condition that he Pay the treasurer of 
Amherst tor said Land at the rate of forty 
shillings pr. Acre 

Voted— To Appropriate co much of the 
money raised for schooling as to Pay what 
remains due for Horses bought for the 
Continent 

Voted — To Choose an Agent to carry 
on the Suit Pending between M'r Strong 



iiECOKDs OF Amhekst fkom 17oo to 1788. 



;i 



and M'r Blodget and that Elij ih Baker be 
f the Agent 

Voted —To Choose a Committee to set- 
tle with the Heirs of the Kev'd David 
Parsons tor the Sahiries Due to them, 
and Elijah Baker, John Billing and Gid- 
eon Ilanderson were chosen tor said pur- 
pose 

At a Meeting of the Inliabitants of tiie 
Town of Amherst April 2d 1781 

Votes for a G'lVernor being called for 
were hrou^iit in as foMows (viz) for his 
Excellency Juiin Hancock Esq'r fifty 
seven for the IIon'!)ie James Bowdoin 
Esq'r Nine Votes tor a Lieutenant Gover- 
nor being called for were nrouijht in as 
follows (viz) for his Honor Tliomas Gush- 
ing E<q'r forty three for the Hon Mile Ar- 
teinas Ward Esq'r Nineteen 

Votes for four Senators beioif called for 
were brought in as follows (viz) 

For John Bliss Esq'r fifty seven 

David Sniead Esq'r tlurty Nine 

John Hastings Esq'r feriy 

Noah Goodman Esq'r forty 

Tiniotliy Danielson E-q'r eighteen 

Samuel Mather Esq'r eighteen 

Caleb Strong Esq'r eighteen 

Elisha Ingram three 

Muses Dickinson ] Select 

John Billing | men 



Atie>t 



GlUKON Handerson 



and 



Elijah Bakek f town clerk 

Isaac Hubbard | of 

Nathll Dickinson Jii J Amherst 
At a Legal meeting of the Iiihabiiants of 
the Town of Amlierst April 2(1 1781 
Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator 
Voted — Tiiat ench Person who advanced 
any money, as a Hire to the Soldiers who 
served six or three months in the Army 
last summer he allowed the same at the 
rale of filty Dollars pr. Bushel for rie ; 
and in case any Person shall Draw the 
soldiers wages, such Person be allowed 
oue fourth part in addition to said wages 
and the Assessors are empoweri^d to assess 
the Inhabitants of this Town for payment 
of the same 



Voted — To repair the Highways by a 
Tax — Voted — That Moses Dickinson Esq'r 
Jolm HilliiiK, and Cap't Eii Parker he a 
Conuiiittee to settle with L't Mattoon re- 
specting a quantity of Gun Powder in his 
possession — Voted — To Grai>t the sum of 
fifteen Pounils for the support of the Poor 
— the Assessors are empowered to Assess 
the same 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town ot Amherst May 18th 1781 

Moses Dickinson Chosen Moderator 

Voted. That the Select men t)e a Cora- 
mitte to provide the town with a Preacher 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhaldtants of 
the T>iwn of Amlierst June 25th 1781 

C;ip't Eli Parker was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted. That as soon as convenient the 
Town will he in a way for the Resettle- 
ment of the Gospel Ordinances among 
them. 

Voted. That the Town are willing to 
Concur with the Church in all proper 
measures for the Resettlement of the Gos- 
pel Ministry and Ordinances 

Voted — To choose Seven Persons as a 
Committee to join with the Committee of 
the Churi:h to procure a resettlement of 
the Gospel Ordinances in this Town — 
That Mayin Kellogi/, Elijah Biker, Isaac 
Huhb^.rd, D'r Seth C(deman, Nath'll Dick- 
inson Jr hiislia Smith and James Merrick 
be the Committee aforesaid. Voted. To 
give said Committee the following instruc- 
tions (viz) that when occasion requires 
they shall Confer with the Committee of 
the Chuich and endeavor a union and har- 
mony in all measures which relate to the 
Resettlement of Gospel Ordinances in this 
town — Voted — That the Committee be 
Directed to employ M'r David Parsons to 
supply the Pulpit for the present — Voted 
— That the Assessors take the Continental 
money now in tlie 'J'own Treasury to Pay 
tlie State Tax — Voted — That Nath'll Cole- 
man, Simeon Pomroy and M'r Daniel 
Cooley be a Conmiittee to view the Land 



82 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Petitioned for by Stephen Smith apprise 
the same and report to the Town what is 
proper to he Done tlieron 

At a I>e(iHl Meeting of the InhaV)itaiit8 
of tiie Town of Amherst July 6tli 1781 

C/it(>'t Eli Parker was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted — 'I'o f"!h()ose a Comniittee to Pro- 
cure the Beef assessed on the Town by 
the General Court and that John Billing, 
Joseph Eastman and Cap't Eli Parker be 
the C inniiir. e — Voted — Tliat t^e Com- 
mittee be Directed to Borrow the liard 
money to Purchase the Beet and give Obli- 
gations in behalf of the town for the same 
— Voted to Pay the Executor of the Eev'd 
David Hai«..iis D'd the whole of the sala- 
ries Due to him on the first Day of May 
1781 in Gold or Silver with the interest 
Due on the same and the Assessors are 
Directed and empowered to assess the 
same on the InhnbitHnts of this Town 

Voted — To Discontinue that part of the 
Highway hereafter ineMtioneil and Grant 
tiie same to SiepliHH Smith on Condition 
that Said Smith Pay the Treasurer of this 
Town at the rate of three Pounds fifteen 
shillings p'r acre for said Land — viz) Be- 
ginning at the south west Corner of said 
Smith's Lot extending two rods and tiiree 
quarters west, then Parrellel with the 
Street fence ten rods and an half, then an- 

gurlalry lumLet-n rods an h;ilf i«o ro 

join I he west end of Saul Siniili's Lot con- 
tainintr fifty one rods of ground 

At a Legal meeting of the Inliahitants of 
the Town of Amherst July 30th 1781 

Elijah Baker was chosen moderator 

Voted — To choose a Cimimittee to Hire 
the Men required of this Town to serve m 
the Army for tliree months and that Maj'r 
Naih'll Peck, L't Jonathan Dickinson, L't 
Joei Billniti. L't Aaron Dickinson and L't 
Ezra Ro.mI lie th- Committee — Votr^.i — 
that the Town will Pay such sums as the 
Committee shall engage to the Men they 
may hire — that the (Committee give obli- 



gations to the Men they may hire in be- 
half of this Town for such sums as they 
shall engage to Pay them — 

Voted — to Pay the money engaged by 
the Committee afores'd to the soldiers 
they may engage on or before the first 
Day of January next — voted that the said 
Committee be empowered to hire such 
sums of money as may be necessary to 
March the men they may hire Voted. To 
Pay the noney that may be engaged by 
the Conmiittee appointed to Purchase 
Beef on (ir before the first Day of January 
next 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Sep'r 13th 1781 

Isaac Hubbard was chosen Moderator 

Voted — That the Committee appointed 
to procure a Preacher be directed to em- 
ploy M'r David Parsons as a Preacher in 
this Town for the space of thrte months 
after the Term for which he is now engag- 
ed i sexpired 

Attest Isaac Hubbard Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Iniiabitants 
of the Town of Amherst — November 7th 
1781 

Elijah Baker was chosen Moderator 

Voted — To grant the sum of twenty 
four Pounds for the mantenaiice of 
Schools- -Voted — To choose a Committee 
to Determine how many and at what places 
Schools shall be kept in tiie Town the 
present year — Voted— That L't Jolin Field, 
Daniel Ivellogg, Elisha Smith, Josiali 
Warner L't David Smith, L't John Dick- 
inson and Elisha Ingram be the Commit- 
tee afores'd — 

Voted — That the Select men and town 
Treasurer be a Committee to settle with 
those Persons to whom the town is indebt- 
ed as tliey Judge fit 

Voted — Tliat Levi Smith and Jonathan 
Kellogg be Discharged from paying any 
proportion of tiie money engaged to the 
men hired in this Town to serve three 
months in the Army the present year 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17J 



83 



At a Legal meeting of the Inlidbitmits 
of tlie Town ot Amherst December 17th 
1781 

Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r was chnsen 
Moderator. 

Voted — Tiiat the Committee appointed 
to procure a Preacher have a Discretion- 
ary power in procuring a Preacher for tlie 
present. — And that the aforesaid Commit- 
tee be Directed ms Soon as may be to pro 
cure a Candidate for the Ministry to Prench 
in tliis Town 

Attest Natii'll Dickinson Jun'r Moder 
ator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of tlie Town of Amherst January 7ili 
1782 

Josiah Clianncy Esq'r was chosen Mod- 
erator 

Voted — To allow two Shillings and five 
pence P'r Day for work Done at the 
Higliways in Summer and one Shilling and 
eiglit pence P'r Day for work Done at the 
Highways in the fall — 

Voted — To allow five Shillings P'r hun- 
dred for inch and half oak Plank — Voted 
— To allow two Shillings P'r hurtdred for 
Brick — Voted — To allow two shillings and 
eight Pence P'r Day to the Assessors for 
their Service — voted — to allow twenty 
shillings pr. thousand feet of Boards — 

Voted — To allow the Bills ! s read and 
corrected and the assessors are Directefl 
to make a Tax on the Inhabitants of this 
town for the paytnent of the same — Vott-d 
— To Grant the sum of twenty four Pounds 
for the maintenance of Schools and the 
Assessors are Directed to Assess the 
same — 

voted — to Discharge the Constable for 
collecting the Taxes Assessed on Simeon 
Peck Jun'r in the year 1780 — Voted — That 
Daniel Kellogg, L't Tho's Hastings and 
Cap't David Rich be a Committee to view 
the Land petitioned for by Philip Edwards 
and report to the town at their next Murcli 
meeting what is proper to be Done con- 
cerning the same — Voted — To release to 



Maj'r Nath'll Peck and Simeon Peck their 
propornoii of the School money — Voted 
— That John Billing, D'n Eleaz^-r Smitli 
and Josiah Cliauncy E^-q'r be a Connnittee 
to view the Land Petitioned for by Ileuben 
Smitli and report to the Town at their 
next Mi<rch meeting what is proper to be 
done respecting tlie same — 

Voted — To Grant M'r David Parsons 
five Dollars p'r Sabbath for thirty nine 
Sabbaths and the assessors are Directed 
to Assess the ssinir' for hi»< pityirient 
Attest Josiah Chancy Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inliahitants 
of the Town of Amherst January 25th 
1782 

John Billing was chosen Moderntor 

Voted — Elijdh Baker and Jo-eph East- 
man to go to Shutesbury on the 30th of 
January to meet the Towns that meet 
there 

Voted — That the Treasurer Sell the 
New money for Notes and Grain at the 
best lav he can — Voted — TliHt the Treas- 
urer exchange the Notes in iiand for the 
Notes the Town owes 

Attest John Billing Moderator 

At a Legal niaeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst March y'e 4th 
1782 

Elijah Baker was cliosen Moderator 

Voted, Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Clerk and Town Treasurer the Current 
year 

Voted. Elijah Baker, Gideon Dickinson, 
Elisha Smith, Jonathan Smith and L't 
Jonathan Dickinson Jun'r Selectman — 
Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Elisha 
Sniitli and Jonathan Dickinson Jun'r 
Assessors — Voted — David Cowls, Ehen- 
ezer Boltwood and Nath'll Dickinson 2d 
Constables, 

Voted, to excuse David Cowls from 
serving as Constable and Moses Cooke 
Jun'r who was hired by Said Cowls was 
chosen in his Stead — Voted — Martin Kel- 
logg, Joseph Eastman Jr David Blodget, 
Enos Coleman, Stephen Cole and Moses 



84 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17< 



Cooke Surveyors of Hig iways. Voted. 
E'li J 'liM iNm>Ii, Simeon Dukin^oii, Smi- 
eoii CiHrk Jun'r Elijah Ha^tinjis lieuben 
Ingiam hikI Mal'iin Kt-lldgK, Ty ilniigmen 
— Voieil — Stephen Siiiiih, David Blod^el, 
L't Divid Smiili, ami D'n Eleazer Smith, 
Wardens 

ViteM — Oliver Cowls ami E"os Colmian 
feiic viewei> — Vut.d — Gulf"!) DickiiiNOii 
Jun'r En.is Cowlt*, Perez Momly, Ephraim 
Kelli'^a and Eims Dickin>oii Hug Reeves 
— V.'ttd — L'l Thci's Hasting- Sealer ot 
L.-aiher and Joseph Church Surveyor of 
Liimbrr 

V"ieii — To Grant the Sum of titty 
Pu\i .,- lu ivjiair n e Highways ami the 
A>.->eSScii » art- 1> veiled lo Assess .»aid suni 
Oil the Inliabitants of this Town— Voied — 
T'i allow three Mulling.-* P'r Uiy tor work 
D me ai iiiiihways in the Summer ami 
two 8hilliiit!S 1^'r iJ . . >^ ik .■■■i;eai 
th.- Highways in the tall — Voted — Thai 
Miriiii Kt-liugg, Joseph Eastman Jun'i 
David lil'idtset, Enos C 'leman Stepiio 
Cole aoii Mo»es Cooke he Collectors of 
tlie Highway rate — 

Voi. ii — I'hat l/'.i Eleazer Smith, Josiah 
C f > i'J-ii'r and Enos wiciviii>oii ne a 

Committee to view the LaiKi petitioned f n 
b nil >* .1, .,:..« .iiiti rejiori, >'> u.*- Tov/n 

what is proper to be Done concerning tii<- 
saine 

Voted— To accept the Report of ilie 
Select men and establish that part ot a 
llignway ai Described in their Report 
(winch IS a» toilows :) to wit — 
Aiiiiier>t March 2d 1782 — A Return of the 
Survey oi fail oi the Town Road letliiinn 
troin the Count} Road leading to Shutt->- 
liury, to Williams's Mill Standing on ihe 
Mill River 111 ihe west Division ot Ainhersi 
HS liMiotvs (viz) Beginning at the Bridge- 
Standing on M'r Dana's South line, run- 
ning North Seven Degrees west Seven 
rods to a Stak^- and Stones; thence North 
thirty iive Degrees west tony Nine rods 
to a Biai;k oak tree marked U. W. ihence 
to R ui)en Ingrain's Soiuli line twenty 



} Select mer 
of 
Aiuhersr. 



two rods thence west on the North Siite 
of Dana's farm seventy rods to theC'-unty 
roid leading to SuncierlaiKi the above De- 
sciibfd roHii is two rods in width 

John Hilling ) Select men 

till'KON H ANDERS; 

Isaac Hubbard 

Voted — To Discontinue that part of the 
Highway hereatii-r De>crined ami Grant 
tile Same to Reuben Smith on Condition 
that Said Smith (five Snfficit-nt ScuMty 
to tlie Town Treasurer within one m^nth 
t > Pay tor the Same at the rate ot tiiree 
R unds ten Shilling-' p'r Acrt*. Said 
L .lids Descritied as follows (viz) Bejiin- 
iiing at the trout of AI. x'r Smiili's larni, 
near the top of the IJill hy the Mill and 
runiiitiii west twelve r id- and an h ilt lo a 
Stake and thence north twenty eight rods 
to a Stake Standing ten rods «e>t troin 
S lid A -x'r Simih's from, theiicf nojili- 
easterly eiglneeii roil.> to said Smiili's 
t'r,,m, containing two Acies and three 
quarters. — Voted — I'o Discniitiiiue a Fii-ce 
ot the Town way lying east ot L't Noah 
D.ckmsoii's lionif ii.t and joining to it, 
from the i"->ciuth easl corner ot Saiil Lot, 
one rod wide, rtmning iiorthv<faidl> liiirty 
rods and from iiieiiuf tioi ih wariily to a 
poini at toy wo>!, line of Sai.i Town way, 
containint; thirty two rod- and an half of 
tiround and Grant tlie Same to L't No-h 
Dickinson on C'ndi'ion th it the said 
l:)ickinson give a Legal Tul-- wiihii> one 
month to the Inhaniiants of Amherst of a 
Piece of Land lyititf at the north east Cor- 
ner of Said Dickinson s liome lot, Six 
roils and an halt' wide at the east side, 
running westwardly ten rods to a point, 
bounded east on the Town way and Norili- 
wardiy on the County R -ad, containing 
thirty two rods and an half 

Voted. To Discontinue a part of the 
Highway at the east e;id of Aisnm War- 
ner's House Lot, Lying trnm the Northeast 
corner of Said Warner's L't eight rods 
South, and from the west line of said 
Highway four rods and an half east, con- 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



85 



taiitiiit! thirty -ix rods (4' grouni),an(l G'^ t 
tlie sHiiiM lo Philip Edwards, on Condition 
that sail! E IWHrdi Sh-ill within one moiith 
give .Miffi i> ni Sfiurity to the Town Tiea-- 
UF' r to l'.i> for the sHiiie at tlie rale of 
tint e p.iunds p'r acre 

At a L gal Meeting of the Inimhitants 
ot the Tiwii lit Aiidierst April Ist 17S2 

Eiijiii iiaker was chosen Moderator 

Voted — To accept of the List of Jurors 
pr» >. ni^il 113 the y eci men. the rt-ni ail- 
ing ArticlfS in the Warrant Were Negativ- 
es li. ■ e T.vvii 

Attest 

At a L^sai Met iMi« ot tile laii.ildtaiits 
ot the T.wu ol Aiulierst (Qualitieil 10 
V''tf for a G ivei n 'f t&c on Mond-iy tlit 
firs. D.y of Ap.ii AD. 1782 

Toe Votes tor a (i >veruor were as fol- 
lows (viz) 

For iiis Excellency John Hancock E^q'r 
Filiy Srven 

F'lr the Hon'ble James Bowdoiii E-q'r 
Twenty three 

Tiie Vt'tes f'lr a Lieutenant Govermir 
Were as f iliows (viz) 

Ftir his IL.nor I'lionias Cushing Esq'r 
tliirty three 

For tlie Hon'ble Azor Orne E>q'r Twen- 
ty MX 

Votes for four Senators were as lollows 

VIZ — 

For tlie Hon'ble John Bliss E-q'r Fifty 
six 

For the Hon'iile Noah Goodman E.-q'r 
Twenty four 

For Capt Ebenezer Mattoon — Twelve 

For iMaj'r Gen'l Tirnotliy Danielson 
Twenty seven 

For the Hon'ble Caleb Strong Esq'r 
Tweiiiy seven 

For Nathaniel Dickinson Esq'r Twenty 
fiv- 

For Oliver Phelps Esq'r Six 
For i^avid Smead E-q'r Nineteen 
For the Hon'ble John Hastings Esq'r 
Fifteen 

For VVarhani Parks Esq'r Eleven 



F' 'T the lion l)le Samuel Mailier E-q'r 
three 

Ftir M'r Eli>ha [iigram — Four 
For iM'r J .iin Billing — Two 
F.f M'r EiiJMh B;.l«'r— one 

Jonathan Smith ] select 

(ilDKON DlUICIN.SON j men 

Attest Jonathan DicivInson Jn'r }- of 
Elijah liAicER | Am- 

PjLisha Smith J herst 

Naih'ii Dickinson Jnr Town Cler'k 

At a Leaal mt-eting of tlie InhahitHnts 
of tlie town of Amherst April 8th 1782. 

E ijah Hakt r wms chosen Moderator — 

Vied — Toloiic. M'r David Parsons 
to I'leach here on Probaiion for St-ttle- 
nieiii i t ilie (iospel Mini-try, fir the Spiice 
of two months.— Voted — That the Com- 
miitee for Supplying the Pulpit, he em- 
powered to Draw nn ney out of the Treas- 
ury to Pay M'r Ely tor his Services. 

At a Legal m. eiing of the Iidiahiiants 
of the To>*!i of Ann. erst May 17tn 1782 

Elij ih Uaker was chosen Moderat ir 

Voied; to Discontinue that part of the 
Highway hereafii-r mentioned (viz) Be- 
uinning at a Slake and Stones near the 
South Side -It Aaron Warners Lot and 
runniciti North to ihe S uth west (-orner 
post of said Warners L-ine leading from 
his house to the street, the said Land c n- 
laining twenty rods, and Grant the same 
to Aaron Warner on Condition that said 
Warner Pay the Treasurer of this Town 
for the use of the Inhabitants of said Town 
at the rate of foui;teen Pounds p'r Acre tor 
said Land 

Voted, That L't John Field, Isaac G -od- 
ale and Maj'r Nath'il Peck be a Cyomniit- 
tee to view the Land Petiiioned lor by 
Moses Cooke Jn'r and report to the Town 
what is proper to be Done respeciing the 
sanie and to sell said Land at Publick 
Vendue 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhahiiauts 
of ihe Town of Amherst June 17th 1782 

Gideon Dickinson was chosen Modera- 
tor 



86 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



— Voted, To Con(;ur with thy Chiircli in 
their vote to give M'r David Pfirsoiis an 
invitHtion to settle in the Ministry of the 
Go-pel in this town — Voted — That in 
Case M'r Parsons will settle in the Minis- 
try in tills to«'n, To Grant him three hun- 
dred pounds tor a settlement to be paid in 
the following manner, to wit, one hundred 
pounds within one year after his settle- 
tntiir, and one hundred pounds within two 
years after liis settlement and one hun- 
dreil pounds witiiiii three years after Ids 
Settlement; Also to grant liini Ninety 
pounds as a Salary for the first year att<-r 
his .S''ttlenient and Ninety five pounds for 
the Second year after hi-- >S itleuient, and 
one hundred pounds for each year after- 
ward- durinsj his Miid»try here — 

Voted, that the Committee for Supply- 
ing the Pulpit be Directeij to employ M'r 
Parsons to Supply the Pulpit untill he 
gives his Answer to the foetioing propo- 
sal — md that Said C'Tiinittee inform M'l 
Parsons of the above — mentioned Votes — 
Voted, to adjourn for the Space ot four 
weeks to meet at the meeting house at 
three of the Clock in the afternoon 

Ju y 15th 1782. Being met aei;ordiujj to 
Adjournment — 

Voted — To Provide twentyfive Cords oi 
fire wood for M'r Parsons the first year 
after his Settlement in the Mirdstry here, 
and to add five Cords annually uniill it 
shall amount to forty Cords, which shall 
be Himiially provi'ed for liinj afterwaids 
Durinsi his said Ministry 

Attest Gideon Dickinson Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhahitanis 
of the Town of Amherst August 12 h 1782 

Gideon Dickinson was chosen Modera- 
tor 

[The Rev'd Davjid Parsons's Answer 

to Proposals heretofore made to him for 
Settling in the Ministry [was rece]ived 
and read in the words following (viz) 

[To the] Inhabitants of Amher»t in 
Town meeting Assembled on the 12tli Ins't 
Ausust 1782 



Gentlemen — 

Inasmuch as you have passed Sundry 
Votes respecting my encouragement and 
support in case I should settle with you in 
the work of the Gospel Miinstry ; and as it: 
is always expedient thai the meaiung of 
Parties in Transactions of this Nature 
should i)e well explamed and clearly un- 
derstood, lo prevent any Dispute or mis- 
understanding between them afterwards, 
I beg Leave to express to you my, sense, 
oi iiie meanintj of your Proposals as I un- 
derstand them, which is as follows (viz) 
The se\eial sums whicii you off"er me in 
Settlement and Salary, I understand to be 
in Silver money, Spanish Milled Dollars 
at -ix shillings, or other Silver or Gold 
.quivaient. And as to the Payment of 
my Settlement, I understand tiiat you will 
procure me Keal Estate to tne value, in case, 
any suuh can be procured to my accept- 
ance ; oth-rwise that you will pay me the 
money according to your first vote. — And 
as to the Article id" Wood I understand, 
that the m.ist that I am ever to expect is 
forty Cords of fire wood of good quality 
in a year; unless the town shall volunta- 
rily make addition on being satisfied that 
forty Cords is not sufficient for my reason- 
able U-. — Give me Lf-ave tuniier to add 
that I must understand it to be yuur intent, 
that no advantage shall ever be taken of 
any Paper Ciirreui^y Depreciated, or of 
any act ol Government that may be pass- 
ed, to avoid the fair honest and equitable 
intent of the Contract. If this be your 
meaning as I have expressed my sense of 
It, and if nothing more than I kimw of 
shall appear to prevent you may expect an 
Answer in the Affirmative to the Churches 
Call 

your affectionate friend and servant 
David Parsons 

Voted, To accept the foregoing answer 
as the true intent and meaning ot the 
Town expressed in their Votes referred to 
by M'r Parsons in his answer aforesaid 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17{ 



87 



Vmed — Tliat tlif town Tr-astirer be 
empiiwered, on behalf of the town to give 
S cuiity to M'r Parsons or to any other 
Person iif wlioni an Eitate may be pur- 
chased for liis Settlement, for the sum 
lieretoiore granted him as a settlement. 
— Vot>^d — To Piy the usual expenct- 
tliai niiiy attend M'r Paisois's Orilina- 
tidii ; and that L't John Fiehl, Elijah 
Parker, Josiali Chauncey Esq'r, Nath'll 
DicUiiisun Jun'r M'r Daniel (Jooley, Cap't 
Eli Parker, S'eplien Smith, L'l Aaron 
Dickinson & M'r Eben'r Boltwood be a 
Coniniiitee with a Disiiretionary Power to 
make t!ie usual and Dect-nt Preparation> 
lor the ordination and to give invitations 
to whom they think fitfortiieir Atteridanct- 
— Voted — Tliat the TreaNurer be empow- 
ered to advance monies to the aforesaid 
Committee to Pay the expeiice they ma> 
be at i'l making said Preparations for the 
ordination 

Aiie-t Gideon Dickinson Moderator 

At a Legal meeting ot the Inhabitanis 
of the Town ot Amherst Aujiiist 6tn 178'i 

M'r Gideon Dickinson was chosen Mod- 
erator 

Voted — John Bdling, Elijah Baker and 
Martin Kellogg Delegntes to attend a 
County Convention to be holuen at Hat- 
field 
Attest — Gideon Dickinson — Moderator 

Att a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst December Otli 
1782 

Gideon Dickinson was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted — To Concur with the Church in 
their Vote to invite an Ei-clesiastical 
Council to look into the Affairs of the 
Church, and {iive their advice respecting 
the Brethren who stile them-elvns the ag- 
grieved, and have withdrawn themselves 
from the Communion of the Church — Vot- 
ed — that the 'I'own will Pay the expence of 
said Council — Voted — To choose a Com- 
n ittee to make the necessary Provi>ion for 
the support of the Council — Voted — That 



L't John Field. Stephen Smith, Martin 
Kellogg, M'r Daniel Cooley, L't Aaron 
Dickinson, Tho's Hastings Jn'rM'r Ehen'r 
Boltwo )d, L't Ezra R lod and Nath'll 
Dickinson Jn'r be the Committee afore- 
said — 

Voted — that the Committee afores'd be 
empowered to Draw money out of the 
Treasury to Defray the expence they may 
incur 
A test — Gideon Dickinson Moderator 

At a Legil uit-eting ot the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst January 20ih 
1783 

Gideon Dickinson was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted — To choose f )ur Wardeos, viz, 
Stephen Smith, David Blodget, John Bil- 
inii and Isaac Goodale. 

Votf-d — To allow three shillings p'r Day 
to the Assessors for their Service — Vot^J 
— To allow three Shilling'* p'r Day to the 
Committee who have been appointed by 
ihe town to attend Conventions — Voted — 
To allow (»ne Shilling tor Horsf hire to 
the mt-n >»ho attended the Convention at 
Hatfield and one shilling ami four pence 
lo those who attended the Convention at 
Shutesbitry — Voted — To accept the Bills 
as read and corrected — and to empower 
the Assessors to assess a Sum on the In- 
habitants of this Town sufficient to Pay 
the same — Voted — To Grant thirty six 
pounds for the maintenance of Schools in 
this Town and that there be six Schools 
kept in said Town — Voted — That the 
Assessors be empowered to Assess such 
sum as shall he Due to the Rev'd David 
Parsons for his Salary on the first Day of 
May next, also to Assess one hundred 
pounds granted to M'r Parsons in purt for 
his Settlement 

Attest Gideon Dickinson Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst March 3d 1783 

M'r Jacob MuDaniell was chosen Mod- 
erator 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Voteil — That the Town will make an- 
swer til (ii l^etition of'NHthan Dickinson 
and others lar.Hiy prefeffil to tiie General 
Court — Voted — That Simeon Strong E-q'r 
Natiril Dickiii- 11 J <'r Moses (^ooke, D'n 
Eleazer Smitii, i^ap't En Parker E'n John 
Nash, M'r Daniel Cooley, Tho's Hastinjis 
Jun'r and Jusiah Ciiauncy Esq'rbe a Com- 
mitter to prepare the said Answer — Voted 
— Tiiat the Assessors he Directed to Post- 
pone making the Town Rate untill tlie 
General Court sUmH tli.Hy i)<;ie lume 
respectiiiii the above mentioned Petitioti — 
Voted — To Adjourn for the space of four 
weeks 

March 31st 1783 Being Assembled ac- 
cording to Adjournment — Voted— That 
the Commitce." appointed to make answer 
to the Petition of Nathan Dickinson and 
otiiers, be empowered to appoint an Agent 
to Appear in Behalf of the towti to make 
answer to said Petition before the Gene- 
ral Court — Voted — that the Answer be 
Signed by the Town Cierk hy order and 
in belialf of th'- Town — Voted— That the 
Committee be empowered to Draw money 
out of the Tr -asury to Pay the expence of 
the Agency 

Aitest Jacob McDaniel Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
ot the Town of Amherst Marcli luth 
1783 

M'r Elislia Smitli was chosen Modera- 
tor — Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jnr Town 
Clerk and Treasurer — 

Voted— Cap'i Eli i'arker D'n Eleazer 
Siuuh, Martin Kellogtj, L't Joel Billing 
and Tho's Hastings Jiin'r Select-men — 
Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Ji.nathan 
Dickinson Jn'r and Elisha Smith Asses- 
sors — Voted — Stephi-n Cole, J .hn Field 
Jun'r and Ephraim Kellogg Constables — 
Voted— Timothy Clapp, Josiah Warner, 
Siine<m Clark Jun'r Enos Coleman, Tim- 
othy Green Jun'r Giles Church, and R- u 
ben Cowles Tithinginen Voted — En s 
Dickinson, Noah Smith. L't Noah Dickin- 
son and L't Ezra Rood Wardens— Voted — 



Josiah Warner, Moses Cooke, Simeon 
Peck, Simuel Hastings, Timothy Green 
Jun'r, Dnniel Kellogg Jun'r surveyors of 

Highways Vote<l Gideon Dickinson, 

Nath'll Coleman and John Billing Fence 
viewers — 

Voted — L't Tho's Hastings Sealer of 
Leather — 

Voted — John Billing Surveyor of Lum- 
ber — Voted — John Field Jnr Aaron Bil- 
ling, John Kellogg, Samuel Bolt«ood 
and Beiij'a Smith, Hog reeves — Voted — 
To repair the Highways by a Rate and to 
Grant sixty pounds for that Purpose — 
Voted — To give three Shillings p'r Day 
for work Done at tlie Highways in Sum- 
mer and two shillings p'r Day for work 
Done in the fall. — Voted — That the Hiah- 
wiy Rate Committed to the Surveyors the 
last >ear be committed to the Surveyors 
the present year — Voted — Josiah Warner, 
Moses Cooke, Sim'n Peck Saniuel Hast- 
ings, Timothy Greeu Jnr and Daniel Kel- 
loyg Jnr Collectors 

Attest Elisha Smith Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
ot the Town of Amherst April 7ih 1788 ' 

M'r Jacob McDaniell was chosen Mod- 
erator 

Voted — To accept the List of Jurors 
laid before the Town by the Select men 

Voted — That Elisha Smith, John Lee 
and Stephen Cole be a Committee to view 
the Land Petitioned for by Jonathan War- 
ner aud report to the Town wiiat is proper 
to be Done respecting the <<ame 

At H Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst on Monday the 
Seventh Day of April AD. 1783— The 
Votes tor a Governor were as follows (viz) 

For his Excellency John Hancock E-q'r 
— twenty eight 

For the Hon'ble James BowJoin E-q'r 
— Nineteen 

For the Hon'ble Joseph Hawley Esq'r — 
two 

The Votes for a Lieut. Governor were 
as follows (viz) 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



89 



For Ills Honor Tlionms Cusliin« Esq'r 
Three— 

For tlie Hon'iile Az'ir (J-ne E q'r — thir- 
ty eiglit 

The Votes for Senators were !is follows 
(viz) 

For the Hon'l)le Josepli Ilnwley E>q'r 
— Niiieieeii 

For the llon'ble John Bliss E-q'r — 
twenty nine 

For the Hon'ble John Hastings Esq'r — 
Nineteen 

For David Srnead Esq'r — Seventeen 

For the Hon'ble Timotliy Danielson 
Esq'r Eleven 

For the Hon'ble Caleb Strong E>q'r — 
Tliirteen 

For ilie Hon'iile Samuel M-ither Esq'r — 

Eleven 

F'T ilie Hon'ble Noah Goodman E^q'r 
— Two 

For Gideon Burt Esq'r Three 

Eleazer Smith \ select men 

Attest 'I'ho's Hastings Jun'r >- of 

Mahtin Kellogg J Amiierst 

Naili'll Dickinson Jnr Town Clerk 

Al a Legal Meetint; of he Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst May 13ih 1783 

was chosen Moderator — 

Voted — That En's Jolin Nash, Moses 
Dickinson E»q'r and Capt Eli Parker he a 
Committee to settle tlie Line between Am- 
iierst and Hadley — Voted — That Capt Eli 
Parker Moses Cooke and L't John Field 
he a Commitiee to Preanibulate ihe Line 
Between Amherst and Leverett — Voted — 
'I'o Grant the west street their Proportion 
of Schonl money to be by them used to 
employ school Dames — 

Voted— To Grant Maj'r Natiril Peck 
leave to build his fence on the Bank of the 
Kiver to secure the west end of his L i — 
Voted — That Dea'n Edwards L't Tho's 
Hastings and L't Joel Billins; be a Com- 
mittee to view the Land Petitioned tor by 
Simeon Pomeroy and report what is proper 
to be Done respecting the same 
Attest 



At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Andierst October 16th 
1783 

D'n Eleazer Smith was chosen Moder- 
ator 

Voted, To accept the Report of the 
Committee appointed to Perambulate the 
Line between Hadley and Amherst; and 
t the same be recorded as follows (viz) 

Ji ginning at the li ly-road at a Stake 
and Stones, thence North 12 deg East 670 
rods to a heap of Stones, thence North 8 
deg 15 mill East 144 rods, to a Black Oak 
t te inarkeil W M — thence North 8 deg 
E t . ID rods, to a Stake on the South 
side of M'r Parsons's lot — thence North 
11 deg 30 min east 197 rods, to a Pine 
Stubb, thence North 13 deg east 93 rt)ds, 
to Sir eStaddles; thence Nortii 8 deg 
east 336 rods, to Porters Ditch, thence 
North 13 deg east 370 rods to a Stubb by 
the river, ih. nee North 11 deg east 380 
rods to Suinlerland Line 

V.)ted— To accept the Report of the 
Committee appointed to Peranit)ulate the 
Line lietween Leverett and Amherst, 
which is as f..llows (viz) That the Line be- 
tween Leverett and Amherst runs East 
three Degrees and forty five minutes North, 
which in general is agreeable to the old 
markeil trees ; said Line examined from 
Mohawk- Brook to Shntesbnry, at a Stake 
and Stones — 

Voted, M'r Elijah Baker be a Member 
of the County Convention to be convened 
at Hatfield October 20tli 1783— Voted— 
that the Select men take such care of 
Mos>-s Hawley and family as they think 
necessary — Voted — To grant thirty Pounds 
for the Support of Schools 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst January 19th 
1784 

M'r Ebenezer Boltwood VFas chosen 
Moderator 

Voted, To allew three Shillings P'r 
Day for work Done at the Bridges in sum- 



90 



Kecords of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



mer and tvvro shillings per Day for work 
Done in the fall 

Voted — That Zacheriah Hawley may 
take up a Note that lies against him in 
the Treasury with an Order he has upon 
the Treasurer and a Bill he has against 
the Town; if said suras are sufficient 
to Pay said Note 

Voted — To Grant the sum of forty five 
Pounds to make up three months School- 
ing in each School house and other past 
expences 

Voted — To Grant a sum sufficient to 
Pay a Note given to L"t John Field by the 
town Treasurer in behalf of the Town and 
Payable in October next 

Voted, to Allow the Bills as read and 
Corrected 

Voted. That the Assessors Assess the 
Several Sums Granted on the Inhabitants 
of the Town 

Voted, That Simeon Strong Esq'r Nath'll 
Dickinson Jun'r and L't John Field be a 
Committee to Petition the General Court 
for Abatement of the fine laid on the Town 
for not sending a Representative 

Voted — That the Treasurer call on the 
Constables to Pay the Debt Due to the 
Heirs of the Late Rev'd Duvid Parsons for 
Salaries ; as soon as may be 

Attest Eben'k Boltwood Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting of the InhabiiHUts 
of the Town of Amherst March 22cl 1784 

Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r was chosen 
Moderator 

Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Clerk and Treasurer 

Voted — Joel Moody, Jonathan Dickin- 
son Jun'r, Enos Dickinson, Stephen 
Smith xnd M'r Ebenezer Boltwood, Select 
men 

Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Enos 
Coleman and Elijah Baker Assessors 

Voted, Thomas Hastings Jun'r and 
Noah Smith Constables 

Voted — Moses Cooke Jun'r Timothy 
Handerson, Joel Dickinson, Joseph Pettis, 
Ebenezer Eastman, John Eastman, Oliver 



Clapp, and Joseph Williams Tything- 
men 

Voted — Gideon Dickinson Jun'r Mar- 
tin Kfllofjg, Samuel Boltwood, David 
Cowls, Enos Coleman Nathan Dickinson 
Jn'r and John Lee Surveyors of Heigh- 
ways 

Voted— L't John Field, M'r Daniel 
Cooley, David Trowbridge, M'r El)eii'r 
Boltwood Calvin Rich and L't Noah Dick- 
inson Hog reeves 

Voted. Gideon Dickinson Jun'r Mnr- 
tin Kellogg, Samuel Boltwood, David 
Cowls, Enos Coll man Nathan Dickinson 
Jun. and John Lee Collectors of Taxes 

Voted — Simeon Clark Jun'r, L't Noah 
Dickinson, Oliver Cowls and Elijah Bak- 
er Wardens 

Voted — Oliver Cowls and Enos Cole- 
man, Fence viewers 

Voted— Joseph. Church Surveyor of 
Lumber 

Voted L't Thomas Hastinijs Sealer of 
Leather — Voted, that ihe Assessors issue 
their Warrants to the Collectors to enable 
tbeni to Collect the Highway rate Com- 
mitted to them the last year — Voted — To 
allow three shillings per Day for work 
Done in the Summer and two shillinss per 
Day f'T woikDone in ihe month of Sep- 
tember and one shilling and cix pence tor 
work Done in the tall atier September — 

Voted — To Grant the sum ot seventy 
Poutids to repair the Heigbways the pres- 
ent year 

Voted— To Discharge Enos Ralf (rom 
Paying the Town Taxes in the Constables 
hands against him 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst April 5th 1784 

The Votes for a Governor were a* fol- 
lows — viz — 

For his Excellency John Hancock Esq'r 
thirteen 

For the Ilon'hle James Bowdoin Esq'r 
twenty one 

The Votes tor a Lieutenant Governor 
were as follows viz — 



Records op Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



91 



For the Hon'ble Azor Orne Esq'r six- 
teen 

His Honor Tliomns dishing Esq'r 

eighteen 

Votes for Senators for tlie County of 
Hampshire were as as follows (viz) 

Timothy Danielson Esq'r twenty 

Caleb Strong Plsq'r — twenty six 

Samuel Matlier E-q'r — nineteen 

John Bliss E-q'r forty 

Noah Goodman Esq'r two 

M'r Eben'r Boltwond three 

John Hastings E^q'r twenty three 

Eben'r Mattoon Esq'r eleven 

Joseph Hartley Esq'r twelve 

Ezra Rood one 

John Billing three 

Simeon Dickinson one 

John Ingram one 

Ruggles Woodhridge Esq'r four 

David Sniead Esq'r three 

Simeon Strong Esq'r five 

Martin Kellogg one 

Josiah Warner one 

Gideon Handerson one 

Noah Smith two 

Oliver Cowls two 

Luke Coffeen one 

Jomth'n Dickinson J'r "| g^,ie(.t 
Eben'r Boltwood | 'jyjj,,, 

Attest Joel Moody }■ r 

Enos Dickinson | ^niherHt 

Stephen Smith J 

Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Town Clerk 

Att a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of tiie Town of Amherst April 5tli 1784 

Nath'll Dickinson was chosen Moder- 
ator 

"Voted — To Accept the list of Jurors 
laid before the Town by the Select men 

Voted— that John Billing, Cap't Eli Par- 
ker, Jonathan Dickinson Jun'r Joseph 
Dickinson and Moses Cooke be a Com- 
mittee to Build a Town Pound 
Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jun'k Moder" 
ator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst May 10th 1784 
L't John Field was chosen Moderator 



Voted — That Moses Dickinson, John 
Billing and Moses Cooke be a Committee 
to Confer with the Select men or Commit- 
tea of the Town of Belciiertown gin order 
to settle the Line Between said Towns — 
and report at some future meeting 

At a Legal meeting of tiie Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Angust 18th 
1784 

Natli'll Dickinson Jun'r was chosen 
Moderator 

Voted, That the Town will Indemnify 
Jonatlian Dickinson Jun'r and Elisha 
Smiih res[)eiting ihe Action Commenced 
against them by Hezekiah Belding — Voted 
— To Choose a Committee to make De- 
fence against the before mentioned Action 
— Voted— That Simeon Strong Esq'r L'j 
John Field and Capt Eli Parker be the 
Committee aforesaid — Voted — That the 
Treasurer be Directed to receive into the 
Town Treasury so much Paper money of 
the New Emission as L't Aaron Dickinson 
hath collected for Town Taxes; and that 
tlie Town will make recompence to Said 
Dickinson for all Losses he hath neces- 
arily Sustained, by nreans of Losses in 
collecting Taxes, Provided Said Dickinson 
return into the Treasurers Office Such 
Notes as he hath against tor the same Sum 
or Sums as he gave for them 
Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Moder- 
ator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Nov'r 15th 
1784 

Eben'r Mattoon Esq'r was chosen Mod- 
erator 

Voted — That the Select-men Set up Six 
Schools within the town four of which to 
be in the places they usually have been 
kept in, and the other two in Such places 
as the Select men think fit 

Voted — To Grant thirty Pounds to 
maintain the Schools and the Assessors 
are empowered to Assess the same 

At a Legal tneting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Amherst Janua'y 3d 1785 



92 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



Nath'll Dickinson Juri'r was cliosen 
Moderator 

Voted— To accept tlie Bills as read and 
corrected and the Assessors are empower- 
ed to Assess a Sum on tlie Inhabitants of 
tills Town Sufficient to Pay the Same — 

Voted— To allow Six SliillioKS p'r Hun- 
dred feet of two inch Oak Plank and five 
Shillings p'r Hundred for inch and half 
Oak Plank — Voted— To Grant the sum of 
thirty Pounds far the support of Schools 
—Voted — That the Schools be kept three 
months in ejich part of the town where 
Schools ate kept 

Voted— That Capt. Eli Parker, Nath'll 
Dickinson Jun'r and Moses Cooke he a 
Committee to examine the Petition of 
John Billings and others and report what 
is proper to be Dme 

Voted — That the Assessors be empower- 
ed and Directed to Assess the sum of one 
hutidred pounds on ihe Inhahitants of this 
Town for the Payment of a Note given to 
L't John Field iti behalf of t!:e Town 
Attest Nath'lt. Dickinson Jun'r Mod- 
erato r 

At a Legal meeting of the InhabitHuts 
of the Town of Amherst January 28th 
1785 

M'r Eben'r Boltwood was chosen Mod- 
erator 

Vott-d — Elisha Smith an Assessor — Vot- 
ed — that the Assessors Assess a Sum Suf- 
ficient to Pay the Bills exhiliited by D'r 
Cutler— Voted — To Grant the Sum of Six 
Founds in Addition to the Bounty of the 
Commonwealth to -any Inliabitant of this 
Town, who shall Kill a Wolf witiiin Ten 
miles of Amherst meeting House, or tak- 
ing the track of a Wolf withm said limits, 
shall pursue and kill the same in any place 
whatever 

Attest Eben'r Boltwood Moderator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst March 14th 1785 

Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r was chosen 
Moderator 



Voted— Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Clerk and D'n Seth Coleman Treasurer 

Voted — Joseph Church, Noah Smith, 
Elisha Smith, Jonathan Dickinson Jn'r 
and En. John Nash Select men — Voted-— 
Joseph Cliurch, Elisha Smith and Nath'll 
Dickinson Jn'r Assessors — Voted — 
Stouglitou Dickinson Surveyor of Shin- 
gles — Voted — Barnabas Sabin and Simeon 
Clark Jn'r Constables — Voted — Oliver 
Clapp, Eben'r Eii>tman, Josiah Warner, 
Stephen Smith Timothy Green Jn'r and 
L't Aaron Dickinson Surveyors Of High- 
wa}s — Voted — Elijah Dickinson, D'n Sim- 
eon Clark, Timothy Handerson, Joel 
Moody, Stephen Cole and David Blodgett 
Juu'r Tyihingmfn 

Voted — Jonathan Moodv Jn'r — John 
Ingram 2il and Sitneon Dickinson War- 
dens — Voted — Elisha Smith Sealer of 
Leather — Voted — Samuel Boltwood and 
L't Joel Billing Fence Viewers — Voted — 
VVilliam Clapp, Jonathan Barnes Zaelie- 
riah Hawley, Eleazer Cowls, Moses Cooke 
and John Morton Jn'r Ilogreeves 

Voted — That Hogg 3'oked and Rung 
according to Law may run on the Com- 
mons from the middle of May to the mid- 
dle of August 

Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jn'r Moder- 
ator 

At a Legal Meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Qualified accord- 
ing to the Constitution to Vote for a Gov- 
ernor &c April 4th 1785 

The Votes for a Governor were as fol- 
lows — viz — 

For the Hon'ble John Worthington 
Esq'r — Sixteen 

For the Hon'ble James Bowdoin Esq'r 
Nine 

His Honor Thomas Cushing Esq'r — Two 

For the Hon'ble Azor Orne Esq'r — 
Ten 

For the Hon'ble Benjamin Lincoln E«q'r 
Two 

The Votes for a Leiutenant Governor 
were as follows (viz) 



Records of Amherst b^rom 1735 to 111 



93 



For liis Honor Tliomas Cashing Esq'r 
— tliirty two 

For til.' Ilon'ble Jiunes Bowdoin E-q'r 
— one 

For the Ilon'ble Benjaman Lincoln Esq'r 
— -two 

For tlie Ilon'ble Azor Oine Esq'r — 
one 

For the Ilon'ble John Wortliington Esq'r 

— -ix 

The Vo'ea for Senators were as follows 

(viz) 
For David Sniead E-^q'r Eleven 
For John Hastings Esq'r Ten 
For Noah Goodman Esq'r — eitiht 
For John Bliss Esq'r — twenty three 
For Timothy Danielson Esq'r — Ten 
For C^Hleb Strong Esq'r — wenty eight 
For Warhani Parks E q'r — thirteen 
For Moses Bliss Esq'r — twenty 
For Doct'r Eben'i" Hunt — seven 
For M'r John Williams — three 
For Simeon Strong Esq'r — five 
For N ith'U Dickinson Esq'r — tiiree 
For M'r Jolm Nush — five 
For M'r Jonathan Arms — three 
For M'r John Billing — three 
For M'r Phineluis Htebbiiis — two 
For M'r Caleb West — two 
For Samuel Mather Esq'r — four 

Joseph Church "] Se- 

NoAH Smith | lect 

Attest Elisha Smith \- men 

Jonathan Dickinson Jun'r I of 
John Nash J Am- 

herst 
Nath'U Dickinson Jn'r Town Clerk 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst April 4th 1785 

Ensign John Nash was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted — To Grant the Sum of Seventy 
Pounds to repair the Highways and the 
Assessors are enspowered to Assess the 
same on the Inhabitants of the Town — 
Voted — To allow three shillings p'r Day 
for work Done at the Highways from the 
first Day of May to the first Day of Octo- 
ber and one Shilling and Six pence for 
work in the fall — 



Voted— Cap't Eli Parker, John Billing 
and Moses Dickinson a Committee to en- 
deavour a Settlement of the Lines between 
Belchertowii, Pelliam and Andierst and 
that they report to the Town — Voted — To 
accept the list of Jurors — Voted — Asahel 
Mooily, D'n Eleczer Smith Moses Dickin- 
son he a Conunittce to view the Lands 
Petitioned for by Elijah Hastings and 
Daniel Cooley and report wliat is proper 
to he Done 

Attest 

At a Legal meeting of the Iidiabitants of 
the Town of Amherst May 2d 1785 

Noah Smith was chosen Moderator 

Voted — To allow to John Fielil Jun'r 
the Rates ctmmitted to him to Collect of 
Josiah Chauncy, Isaac Chauncy, Moses 
Chauncy and Lemuel Root unless he shall 
have opportunity to Collect them of said 
Persons abovenamed — 

Voted — To Discontinue that part of the 
Hitthwav Petitioned for by Elijah Hastings 
and Grant the same to him on Condition 
that said Hastings give his security to the 
Treasurer of the. Town within one niontli 
for the Payment for the same at the rate 
of eight Pijunds for sin acre 

Vott'd — To Discontinue that part of the 
Heighway Petitioned for by'Daniel Cooley 
and Grant the same to him on Condition 
that said Cooley give his security to the 
Treasurer of the Town, within one montli 
for the Payment for the same at the rate 
of eight Pounds for an acre 

Voted — That the Select men and Treas- 
urer have a Discretionary Pow-r to call 
into the Treasury the monies Due to the 
Town on Notes of hand 

Attest 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst May 16tii 1785 

Elisha Smith was chosen Moderator 

Voted — unanimously not to consent to 
a Division of the County of Hampshire 

-Voted — That Eben'r Mattoon Esq'r 
John Billing and M'r Eben'r Boltwood be 
a Committee to make answer to the Peti. 



94 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



tion presented to the General Court for 
tlie Division of the County aforesaid 

Voted — Tliat in Case a Division of 
said County should be obtained the Inhab- 
itants of tliis Town request to belong to 
the south part of the County 

Attest Elisha Smith Moderator 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
tlie Town of Amherst October 13ili 1785 

D'n John Billing was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted — To Grant forty Pounds for main- 
tenance of scliools 

Attest John Billing Moderator 
At a Lecfal meeting of tlie Inhabitants 
of the Town ot Amherst Jaimary 9tli 1786 
Joseph Churcii was chosen Moderator 
Voted — to allow the Bills as read and 
corrected, and to empower the Assessors 
to assess a sum sufficient to Pay the same 
— Voted — to Grant eight Pounds ten Shil- 
lings to support the schools — Voted — That 
the Town of Hadley and annexed to the 
Town of of Amherst will Refer the mat- 
ters contained in a Petition signed by John 
Field and others lately Prefered to the 
General Court (Praying that their Lands 
Lying in the first Division of Hadley inner 
Conmions may be Disannexed from the 
Town of Andierst) to Arbitrators mutual- 
ly to be chosen by Committees appointed 
by each of said Towns, wliich said Com- 
mittee sliall have a Discretionary Power 
to appoint tlie time and Place for said Ar 
bitrators to meet, and Conduct the Busi- 
ness relating to Said Petition in Behalf of 
said Towns in the same manner as Individ- 
uals might Do in References Depending 
between Party and Party 

Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jn'r Cap't 
Eli Parker and En'sn John Nash be a 
Committee for tlie abovemeniioned pur- 
pose- Voted — To Allow; Nathan Dickin- 
son Jun'r the sum of one Pound one shil- 
ling and eight pence money paid by him 
for a Continental Soldier — Voted — To 
Discharge the Rev'd M'r Parsons's Heirs 
from Paying a Tax assessed on them Dat- 



ed September 18th 1781 for the sum of five 
Pounds four shillings — Voted — To Allow 
a reasonable reward to tiiose Persons who 
built the schoolhouse in the Northerly part 
of the Town on the road leading to Sun- 
derland — Voted — To Direct the Select 
men to lay a Town Road from the road 
leading from Eben'n Eastman's to Kelloggs 
Mill, to the road leading from Maj'r Peck's 
to Leverett — Voted To all[ow] Six Sir.l- 
lings p'r hundred feet of two inch Oak 
Plank and four shillings and six pence p'r 
hundred feet of inch and half Oak Plank. 
Voted That Timothy Green Jun'r he paid 
his Bill for work at Highwnys by monies 
Due on the Highway Rate and that the 
Assessors issue their Warrant to Collect 
ihe same — Voted — To allow two shillings 
and eitjlit pence p'r Day for work Done at 
Bridges 

Attest Joseph Church Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Amherst March 6th 1786 

Leiut John Field was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted — Nath'll Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Clerk 

Voted — Doct'r Beth Coleman Town 
Treasurer 

Voted— D'n Elisha Smith, Cap't Moses 
Cooke, Joseph Church, Joseph E..stman 
Jn'r and M'r Ebenezer Boltwood, Select 
men 

Voted — Cap't Moses Cooke, D'n Elisha 
Smith, and Eben'r Mattoon Esq'r Assess- 
ors 

Voted — Stephen Stnitli, John Eastman 

and Daniel Kellogg Jnr Constables 

Voted — Stephen Cole, Cap't Eli Parker, 
Elijah Dickinson, Joel Moody Andrew 
Kimlial Jn'r Elijah Elmer and Moses 
Hastings Surveyors of Highways and Col- 
lectors of Taxes 

Voted Samuel Hastings, Timothy 

Handerson, Simeon Cowls, Edward Smith 
Simeon Dickinson Jn'r and John Eastman 
Tythingmen 

Voted — E'n Elijah Hastings, Moses 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



95 



Cooke Hiui L't Noah Dickinson — Wardens 
Voted — William Clapp, Israel Dickin- 
son, Tiniotliy Green Jnr. David Warner 
Andrew Kiuibal Jnr and David Ingram — 
Hay wards 

Voted — Jacob McDai'ieli, Oliver CuwU 
and Timothy Green Jn'r Fence viewers 

Voted — Josepli Church Surveyor of 
Shiii^jles and Clapboards 

Voted — L't Thomas Hastings, Sealer of 
Leather 

Voted — To Grant the sum of seventy 
Pou.ds to repair the Highway 

Voted — To Allow three shillings p'r 
Day for work Done at Heighways from 
the first Day of May to the first Day of 
September and two shillings p'r Day in tlu- 
month of September and one shilling and 
six pence afterwards 

Voted — Tliat Hogs yoked and ringed 
according to Law may run on the Com 
mons from the Middle of May to the Mid 
die of August 

Voted — To Build a Suhoolhouse in the 
Northeast part of the Town 

Voted — Tliat Elijah Baker, Josiah War- 
ner and Enos Dickinson be a Committee 
to build the same 

Voted — John Billing, Eleazer Smith and 
Jacob McDaniell be a Committee to ex- 
amine the Siate of the Treasury 

Voted — to accept the following report ot 
the Select men for laying out a road from 
tlie road which leads troiii Ebenezer East- 
man's to Kellogg's Mill, into the Road by 
Jonatlian Howard's House, said Road is 
laid out three rods in widih till it comes 
to the top of Pine hill, then two rods wide 
to the road leading by Howards liouse — 
Described as follows — 

East 87 rods on Amariah Dana's North 
line to a Town road — then East crossing 
the abovesaid town way 4 rods to a Stake 
and stones it being a Corner of David and 
Eleazer Cowls Land — them East 1 deg 30 
min North on the abovesaid. Cowls Land 
24 rods to a stake — then East 24 deg south 
on Eben'r Eastman's land 17 rods and 12 



links to a stake and stones, tlien Ka^^t 13 
deg Norili on said E istman's land 8 rods 
to a stake ar.d stones ; then East 28 
deg North on said Eastman's land l(j rods 
to a stake and stones, them easterly to a 
white Oak, then East 11 deg North 16 rods 
to a white Oak, then East 5 deg 30 min 
North 10 rods to a stake; then East 28 
rods to the road North of Howard's — the 
line between Eleazer Cowls, David Cowls 
and Ebenezer Eastman to be the Centre of 
the road 

Attest John Field Moderator 
At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Amiierst April 3d 1786 

Votes, for a Governor were as follows 
(viz) 

For his Excellency James Bowdoin 
Esq'r twenty three 

Hon'ble Benjamin Lincoln Esq'r eleven 
Hon'ble Joliii Hancock Esij'r one 
Votes for a Lieutenant Governor were 
as follows (viz) 

For the Hon'ble Nathaniel Gorham 
Esq'r twenty three 

His Honor Thomas Cashing Esq'r seven 
Votes for the Senators were as follows 
(viz) 
For Timothy Danielson Esq'r thirty two 
Caleb Strong Esq'r forty three 
John Hustings Esq'r thirty three 
Oliver Piielps E?q'r forty one 
William Shephard Esq'r seventeen 
Simeon Strong Esq'r three 
Samuel Mather Esq'r three 

Joseph Church "j selectmen 

Attest Eben'r Boltwood V of 

Joseph Eastman Jn'r J Amherst 
Nath'll Dickinson Jn'r Town Clerk 



At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Amliersl April 3d 1786 

Joseph Eastman Jnr was chosen Moder- 
ator 

Voted — To Accept the List of Jurors 
laid before the Town by the Select men 

At a Legal meeting of thelnliabitants of 
Amherst May 1st 1786 

L't John Field was chosen Moderator 



96 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



Vated — That Simeon Strong Esq'r be 
requested to Continue the Action brouglit 
by the Executors of the Rev'd David Par- 
sons Dec'd against the Town untill Au- 
gust Term — 

Voted — To Direct the Treasurer to Col- 
lect the Debts Due to the Town from in- 
dividuals as soon as he can by Law — 

Voted — L't Moses Rowe, John Billing 
and L't John Field a Committee to view 
the Land Petitioned for by Martin Kellogg 
and report to the Town what is proper to 
be Done respecting the same 

Voted — That Martin Kellogg and Moses 
Dickinson Esq'r be Joined to the Com- 
mittee appointed to examine into the 
State of the Treasury 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Amherst May 1st 1786 

Nath'U Dickinson Jun'r was cliosen 
Moderator 

Voted — Eben'r Mattoon Esq'r and Cap't 
Eli Parker Delegates to meet in County 
Convention to take into Consideration tlie 
expediency of a Division of the County or 
any alterations as to the places of holding 
the Courts and Register's OflSce in said 
County 

Voted — That the Treasurer be Directed 
to Pay Elisha Porter Esq'r liis Demands 
on an Execution he hath against ilie 
Town 

Attest Nath'll Dickinson Jn'r Moder- 
ator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inliabitants of 
the Town of Amlierst June 12tli 1786 

D'n Elisha Smith was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted — To Discharge Nath'll Dickinson 
Jn'r late Treasurer of tliis Town from all 
Demands against him as Treasurer and 
said Dickinson hereby Discharges the 
Town from all Demands against them as 
Treasurer — Voted — That each Surveyor 
expend the money Committed to him within 
the District he is ordered to repair — Vot- 
ed — That upon either of the Surveyors of 
Highways for tlie year 1786 presenting hia 



Rate Bill to the Town Treasurer and Cer- 
tifying on the same that the whole sum 
committed to him has been by him collect- 
ed and expended in repairing that part of 
the Heigliway committed to his care, or a 
part thereof being collected in Labour 
with a Sum of money amounting in the 
whole to the sum Committed to him To 
Direct the said Treasurer to receive such 
rate bill so executed as above or a part in 
money as above Described and give the 
Surveyor presenting the same a Discharge 
therefrom — Voted — The Select men a 
Committee to find how much is Due from 
the Town to the Heirs of the Rev'd David 
Parsons Deceas'd — Voted — That L't Moses 
Rowe Cap't Moses Cooke and Eben'r 
Mattoon Esq'r be a Committee to view the 
Land Petitioned for by L't Zebina Mon- 
tague and report to this meeting— Voted 
to adjourn to friday 16th inst at three of 
the Clock in the afternoon, being met 
according to Adjournment — Voted — Cap't 
Jonathan Dickinson, Major Mattoon and 
M'r Isaac Goodale a Committee to view 
and Apprise the Land Petitioned for by 
Martin Kellogg — Voted— to Discontinue 
that part of the Highway hereafter De- 
scribed and Grant the same to L't Zebina 
Montague he giving security to the Town 
Treasurer for Payment for the Same at 
the rate of fifteen Pounds P'r acre on or 
before the first Day of May next; said 
Lands are Described as follows — viz — Be- 
ginning at the North west corner of said 
Montagues shop and runs east 19 deg 30 
min North ten rods, thence east 5 deg 
north 14 rods and 12 feet thence East 26 
deg South 14 rods and 11 feet — thence 
south four feet — thence west 37 rods and 
3 feet adjoining Moses Warner's north 
Line — containing one Acre and fourteen 
rods 

Attest 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst August 7th 1786 

Major Eben'r Mattoon was chosen mod- 
erator — Voted To reconsider the vote 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



97 



passed the last meeting Directing the 
Treasurer to Postpone Collecting tlie town 
Debts, and that he be Directed to Collect 
them immediately agreeable to a former 
vote of the Town respecting the Treasur- 
ers collecting the town Debts without 

Delay 

Attest Eben'r Mattoon Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Amherst July 13th 1786 

M'r Eben'r Boltwood was chosen Mod- 
erator—Voted — That Cap't Eli Parker, 
Moses Cooke and Isaac Goodale be a Com- 
mittee to Apprise the Land Petitioned for 
by Titus Stevens 

Voted— To Grant the Sum of two Hun- 
dred and fifty Pounds to Pay the Debts 
Due to the Heirs of the Rev'd David Par- 
sons Deceas'd and the Assessors are em- 
powered to Assess the Same 

Attest Eben'r Boltwood Mod'r 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town ot Amherst Jan'y 1st 1787 

Cap't Moses Cooke Jun'r was chosen 
Moderator 

Voted — To allow Six Shillings for two 
inch Oak Plank and five Shillings for inch 
and half Oak Plank 

Voted — To allow tlie Bills as read a:id 
corrected, and that the Assessors be em- 
powered to Assess a sum on the Inhabi- 
tants of the Town sufficient to Pay the 

same 

Attest 

At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Am- 
herst January 12th 1787 

M'r Daniel Cooley was chosen Modera- 
tor 

The following Petition was read and 
passed ; and thereupon ordered that the 
Moderator send an attested Copy of the 
same as the General Court for their con- 
sideration at their next Sessions 

The Petition is as follows, to wit — 
Comnionwealtii of Massaciiusetts 

To the Honorable the Senate and House 
of Representatives in their present Ses- 
sions — A Petition 



Wherein your Petitioners the Inhabi- 
tants of the Town of Amherst Humbly 
Sheweth — That your Petitioners being 
Deeply aflfected with the Calamities and 
Distresses that attend and embarrass the 
Good People of this Commonwealth; your 
Petitioners being sensible that there aro 
many things in the transactions of our 
Publick Affairs that have a Direct tenden- 
cy to involve the Common People in a 
State of Slavery and Poverty without 
some speedy relief. 

Your Petitioners therefore think it their 
Duty and Do encourage themselves in 
presenting this their Petition to your Hon- 
ors for relief in the following Articles all 
which we apprehend are within your Hon- 
ors power to redress — The Existance of 
the Court of Common Pleas ; a grievance 
as all matters cognizable before may be 
brouglit to a final Issue by a Jury of 12 
men Drawn out of the Box by order of a 
Justice — Tlie General Court Sitting in 
Boston — a Grievance — as there is an undue 
influence upon the Members by the Mer- 
chants and other Inhabitants of said Town, 
together with many other Diversions by 
attendance to Trade, and much noise and 
Claims stretched, likewise as eatables are 
much Dearer at the second or third hand 
— The Grants made to the Officers of 
Government — far beyond their Deservings 
or the Principles of the Constitution and 
the Peoples abilities to Pay — The Present 
mode of Paying State Securities without ■ 
any Description between the original 
Owners and those who purclmse them — 
Tiie present appropriation of the Excise 
and Impost money ; as it ought to be im- 
proved to answer the Demands of the 
foreign Debt — The late great Tax imposed 
on the People for far beyond their abilities 
to Pay under their Distressing circum- 
stances together with the speedy collection 
of the same — The present mode of Taxa- 
tion, as it operates unequally between 
Poles and Estates, and the Mercantile and 
Landed Ir.terest a grievance — The want of 



98 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 17^ 



a sufficient Medium of Trade to prevent 
the mischiefs arising from a scarcity ot 
money, n Grievance. To which your 
Petitioners add their most fervent Desires 
that your Honors would Repeal the Sus- 
pension of the Writ of Habeas Corpus 
likewise tlie Riot Act; the continuance of 
those Acts your Petitioners apprehend 
will be greatly subversive of the Constitu- 
tional Protection of the good People of 
this Commonwealth — Your Petiiioners 
request your Honors to empower the 
Select-men of the Several Towns in tliis 
Commonwealth to effect the whole malterx 
of Licencing Inniiolders and Retailers, 
likewise the registering of Deeds in every 
Town — That tlie Treasurer of each Town 
be empowered to collect the Excise money 
—The often Sitting of the Court of Ses- 
sions, a Grievance, as we think one ses- 
sion of said Court in a year would Serve 
to all intents and purposes — We likewise 
Pray your Honors to send to all the 
Towns in the Commonwealth to Know 
tlieir minds witli regard to the Revival of 
the Constitution as your Petitioners appre- 
hend great improvements may be made 
upon the same — That the Settlement of 
Estates or all Probate matters be accom- 
modated and settled in CHch Town, as it 
will be a vast saving to the Fatherless and 
Widows — To all which your Petitioners 
beg leave to suggest, that the gratifying 
the above requests will be a happy means 
to prevent a strenuous movement of the 
western Counties to be formed into a sep- 
arate State — all which is humbly submit- 
ted to your Honors Candor and Wisdom — 
as in Duty bound shall ever Pray 
by order 
The forementioned meeting being as- 
sembled January 12th 1787 made choice of 
John Billing, Cap't Eli Parker, Moses 
Dickinson Esq Martin Kellogg and E'n 
John Nash to Draught the foregoing Pe- 
tition and adjourned to the Wednesday 
following when being met according to 
adjournment the same was read and ac- 



cepted and ordered to be Recorded in the 
Town Book of Records 

Attest Daniel Cooley, Moderator 

At a LeLjal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst March 26lli 1787 

M'r Zebina Montague was chosen Mod- 
erator 

Voted, NatirU Dickinson Jun'r Town 
Clerk — Voted — D'r Seth Colemau Town 
Treasurer — Voted — L't John Field, D'n 
Elisha Smith, M'r Eben'r Boltwood, 
Joseph Church and Jonathan Dickinson 
Jun'r Select men — Voted — D'n Elisha 
Smith, D'n Seth Coleman and D'n Heze- 
kiah Belding Assessors; — Voted — Zebina 
Montague, Daniel Cooley, Elijah Baker 
David Blodgett and Solomon Boltwood 
Wardens — Voted — Capt'n Moses Cooke 
Major Eben'r Mattoon, Simeon Clarke 
Jun'r E'n Joseph Pettes, and D'n Heze- 
kiah Belding. Ty thingmen — Voted — Gid- 
eon Dickinson, Stoughton Dickinson, 
Gideon Parsons, David Blodgett, Eleazer 
Cowls, Simeon Clarke Jun'r Surveyors of 
Heighways — Voted — Joseph Eastman Ju'r 
and Enos Cowls Constables — Voted L't 
John Field and L't Noah Dickinson Fence 
Viewers-Voted-Gideon Dickinson, Stough- 
ton Dickinson, Gideon Parsons, David 
Blodgett, Eleazer Cowls, and Simeon 
Clark Jun'r Collectors of the Heighway 
rate — Voted — Joseph Church, surveyor 
of Shingles — Voted — D'n Elisha Smith 
Sealer of Leather- Voted — E'n Elijah 
Hastings, Levi Cooke, David Cowls, 
Nath'il Edwards and Eldad Moody and L't 
John Field Haywards — Voted — Jonathan 
Dickinson Jun'r Packer of Beef — Voted — 
To grant the sum of Seventy Pounds to 
repair the Heighway and the Assessors are 
empowered to Assess the same— Voted — 
To allow three Shillings p'r Day for work 
Done at Highways from the first Day of 
May to the first Day of September and 
two Shillings p'r Day in September and 
October and one Shilling and six pence 
the remainder of the year — Voted — To 
Grant to Isaac Hubbard Six Pounds for 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



99 



killing a grown Wolf and the Assessors 
are empowered to Assess the same — Vot- 
ed, that Hogs yoked and rung according 
to Law may run on the Common from tlie 
first Day of May to tl»e first Day of Sep- 
tember 

Attest 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst on the first Mon- 
day of April A D. 1787 

Voted for Governor as follows — viz, 

His Excellency James Bowdoin Esq'r 
thirteen 

The Hon'ble John Hancock Esq'r 
eight 

Voted for Lieutenant Governor as fol- 
lows, viz, the Hon'ble Benjamin Lincoln 
Esq'r twenty two — 

Voted — for Senators as follows — viz 

For David Smead Esq'r Seventeen 

William Shephard Esq'r Nineteen 

Caleb Strong Esq'r twenty one 

John Bliss Esq'r twenty one 

Oliver Plielps Esq'r four 

J»hn Hastings Esq'r one 

John Field 1 Select 

Eben'r Boltwood I men 

Attest Elisha Smith > of 

Jonathan Dickinson J'k J Amherst 
Joseph Church J 

Natli'll Dickinson Jun'r Town Clerk 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst May 14th 1787 

M'r Daniel Cooley was chosen Moder- 
ator 

Voted — To relinquish to Isaac Hubbard 
a Town Tax against him and committed 
to Stephen Cole to collect, he having 
paid the same or Similar Tax in another 
Town — Voted — To empower the Select 
men to give an order to Isaac Hubbard to 
Draw Six Pounds out of the Town Treas- 
ury for his killing one gruwn Wolf — Vot 
ed — to accept the List of Jurors laid be- 
fore the Town by the Selectmen — Voted — 
That the Select men be empowered to 
give an order to Stephen Smith to Draw 
Seven Shillings and Six pence out of the 
Town Treasury for removing a Poor 



Family to Sunderland — Voted — That the 
Town Tax which should have been com- 
mitted to Daniel Kellogg Jun'r be com- 
mitted to the Constables for the present 
year and the Assessors are Directed to 
Issue their warrants accordingingly 

Attest Daniel Cooley Moderator 

At a legal meeting of the Inhabitants of 
the Town of Amherst August 13ih 1787 

The votes for a Register of Deeds for 
the middle District in the County of Hamp- 
shire were as follows 

For Solomon Stoddard Esq'r thirty 
eight 

For Eben'r Hunt Esq'r two 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst Oct'r 15th 1787 

L't John Field was chosen Moderator 

Voted — To Grant fifty Pounds to Sup- 
port Schools 

Voted — to keep the Schools the ensuing 
year 

Voted — that the east School in the mid- 
dle, shall have one month more than the 
others to make up what they wanted of 
their proportion the last year 

Voted — that each District or School 
shall have a sixth part of the [sum] that 
is granted for the Support of Schools 

Voted — To choose a Committee to In- 
struct our Representative 

Voted— That D'n John Billing, Martin 
Kellogg, L't Moses Rowe Elijah Baker, 
Moses Cooke Cap't Eli Parker and Joseph 
Dickinson be the Committee aforesaid 

Voted — to Adjourn to Iriday the 19th 
instant at three O'Clock P. M. then to 
meet in this place 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Amherst Oct'r 29th 1787 

Cap't Eli Parker was chosen Modera- 
tor 

Voted to adjourn this meeting unto the 
12th Day of November next 

Nov'r 12th 1787. Being met according 
to adjournment — 

Voted — to Sell some part of the Town 
Heighway — Voted — That the Heighvyays 



100 



Records of Amherst from 1735 to 1788. 



d^.. 



North }ind South shall be in no place less 
than Six rods wide where they are now so 
wide — Voted — That the Committee act 
Discretionary as to the width of the Cross 
Highways — Voted— To choose a Commit- 
tee to Dispose of said Highways or any 
part thereof as tliey think proper — Voted 
— Cap't Eli Parker, Moses Dickinson 
Esq'r Simeon Strong Esq'r L't John Field 
M'r Daniel Cooley, Joseph Churcli, Jo- 
siah Warner, Enos Dickinson, and Noah 
Smith be tiie Committee aforesaid — Voted 
— To allow the People in the Nortiieast 
part of Amlierst, eighteen pounds, in Case 
they shall build for the Town such a 
School house as is built in the Nortliwest 
part of the Town — 

Voted — To Abate to L't Ezra Rood the 
Rates that were made against him when 
in Nortliampton Goal — Voted — To Dis- 
charge L't Ezra Rood from all other Rates 
in the Constables hands against him pro- 
vided he give a Note to the Town Treas- 
urer for the same sum on interest, for the 
use of the Inhabitants of this Town 

Attest Eli Parker Moderator 

At a Legal meeting of the Inhabitants 
of the Town of Amherst January 14th 
1788 

Joseph Church was chosen Moderator 

Voted — to adjourn to Monday next at 
one of the Clock afternoon then to meet at 
ihe first Parisli meeting house — being met 
according to Adjournment — 

Voted — to accept the Bills as read and 
corrected and to empower the Assessors 
to Assess a Sum of money on the Inhabi- 



tants of this Town sufficient to Pay the 
same — Voted — six shillings P'r Jmndred 
feet for two inch Oak plank and five shil- 
lings for inch and half Oak Plank — Voted 
— three ^shillings P'r Day to the Assess- 
ors — 

Voted — three shillings P'r Day for work 
Done al Bridges and three shillings and 
four pence P'r Day for Hewers of Tim- 
ber — 

Voted — two shillings P'r Day to each 
of the Committee appointed to Ascertain 
the Town and County Heighways — Voted 
— To Adjourn to the Seventh Day of Feb- 
ruary next at one of the Clock afternoon 
then to meet at the first Parish meeting 
house — Being met according to Adjourn- 
ment — 

Voted — To allow thirty Pounds for 
Building the schoolhouse in the north 
east part of the Town — 

Voted — To Abate to Nath'll Dickinson 
2d the rates he had to collect against 
Daniel Clieney, Enos Rolph and William 
Moores — Voted — To abate to Thomas 
Marsliall the whole of the rates Due from 
liim to the Constables of this Town not by 
them collected — 

voted — To choose a Committee to pro- 
portion the money that may arise from 
the sale of Highways to each Parish in 
this Town— Voted— That D'r Setli Cole- 
man Col. Eben'r Mattoon, D'n John Bil- 
ling, L't Zebina Montague be the Commit- 
tee aforesaid 

Attest Joseph Church Moderator 
[the end]. 



^^M^^^On^ 



